Ear wax may seem like a nuisance, but it is actually a protective substance that helps prevent foreign objects from entering the ear and damaging the eardrum. If ear wax accumulates in the ear, however, it can press against the eardrum. Although wax cannot get inside the eardrum, the accumulation of wax can cause pain, temporary hearing loss and ringing in the ears. In most cases, ear wax blockage is not a serious medical condition, and can be treated at home.
Step 1
Drip a few drops of baby oil or mineral oil into the clogged ear with an eyedropper. Repeat once a day for five days. The oil will soften the wax, helping it dislodge and come out on its own or with other home remedies.
Step 2
Rinse out your ear in the shower. Hold your ear under the warm water in the shower for several seconds, then wait a few seconds before tipping your head in the opposite direction to rinse out the water.
Step 3
Remove wax from the ear with an at-home irrigation kit. An at-home ear irrigation kit is available at drugstores, and comes with a small bulb syringe to fill with water and squeeze into your ear. After several seconds, tip your head over the sink to pour the water and excess wax out of your ear.
Step 4
Use a cotton swab to carefully clean the outside of the ear--never the inside. Although cotton swabs have been touted as effective ear-cleaners, they can actually push the wax further into the ear, creating a bigger blockage against the eardrum. If you must use a cotton swab, carefully clean around the outside of the ear only.
Tips and Warnings
- Consult a doctor if you are unable to remove the blockage yourself. A doctor can use a curette, a curved instrument that will not damage the eardrum, to carefully scoop out the ear wax. If you frequently have ear wax blockage problems, your doctor can prescribe a preventative ear drop to keep wax from building up.
- Consult a doctor if you are in pain due to ear wax blockage.
Things You'll Need
- Baby oil or mineral oil
- Eyedropper
- At-home irrigation kit
- Curette
