A certain amount of earwax is desirable, as it traps dust and other particles and prevents bacteria from reaching your inner ear and causing damage. If an excess of earwax develops, however, it can cause blockages in the ear canal, which can result in hearing loss. In fact, wax blockages are one of the most common causes of hearing loss, the National Institutes of Health's Medline Plus says. Proper cleaning techniques can help keep your ears healthy and free from harmful substances.
Step 1
Use an eyedropper to place commercial ear drops or a few drops of baby oil, mineral oil or glycerin in each ear two times per day. Detergent drops, including hydrogen peroxide, may also help wax to become softer. Wait about 30 minutes until the wax has had a chance to soften.
Step 2
Tip your head to the side and pull your outer ear up and back to ensure that your ear canal is straightened. Squirt body-temperature water into your ear canal gently with a rubber-bulb syringe. Keep in mind that warmer or cooler water can cause temporary dizziness.
Step 3
Lean your head to the side when you are finished to allow the water to escape. Pat your outer ear with a dry cloth.
Step 4
Repeat the above wax-softening and irrigation process a few more times until the surplus of earwax comes out.
Tips and Warnings
- Contact your doctor if your ear symptoms persist. A medical professional can suction out the wax, or use a special instrument called a curette to remove the wax.
- Never attempt to remove earwax with a cotton swab or a hair pin. You could end up pushing the wax deeper inside your ear; insert these objects too far and you risk potentially harming the lining of your ear canal and your eardrum. Home remedies should not be attempted if your ear contains a tube, if you think you have a perforated eardrum, or if you have a weak immune system or diabetes. Softening drops may cause unwanted earwax to become further embedded in the ear canal or against the eardrum.
Things You'll Need
- Ear drops
- Eyedropper
- Rubber syringe
