Earwax (cerumen) acts as a barrier to protect your inner ears from bacteria, dust and other potentially damaging particles. Most of the time earwax moves into the opening of the ear, where it is washed away or simply falls out. Sometimes your glands overproduce earwax, which can lead to a hardening of the wax in the ear canal. Common symptoms of earwax blockage include a feeling of fullness in the ear and impaired hearing.
Step 1
Tilt your head to the side and place five to ten drops of a commercial earwax removal solution into your ear. You may also use baby oil, mineral oil or glycerin.
Step 2
Place a cotton ball in your ear to prevent the ear drops from draining out. Give the ear drops a day or two to soften your earwax.
Step 3
Pour warm water into a rubber-bulb syringe. Straighten your ear canal by tilting your head and pulling your outer ear up and back. Squirt the syringe into your ear.
Step 4
Lean your head sideways to allow the water to escape. Dry your outer ear with a towel or small blow dryer.
Step 5
Use a syringe to gently direct a small stream of water against the ear canal wall next to the wax plug. Tip your head to allow the water to drain.
Tips and Warnings
- Repeat the ear softening and irrigation process as needed until the excess earwax comes out. Contact your doctor if you continually have problems with excess earwax. He made prescribe a wax-removal medication like carbamide peroxide.
- Don't use a cotton swab to remove earwax. The University of Maryland Medical Center says putting something in your ear actually encourages the body to produce more wax. You also run the risk of rupturing your eardrum. Do not attempt to remove earwax with ear drops or irrigation if your eardrum has a hole in it or if you have tubes in your ears.
Things You'll Need
- Rubber syringe
- Ear drops
