Earwax is the body's built-in defense system against foreign matter entering the ear and causing injury or infection. Under normal conditions, the ear is able to regulate earwax to avoid hardening and subsequent blockage of the ear canal; however it is not abnormal for blockages to occur infrequently. Symptoms of an earwax blockage include ringing in the ears, a feeling of fullness in the ear and earache. The safest way to address an earwax blockage is to see your doctor for treatment, but earwax can also be treated at home if necessary.
Step 1
Drop two drops of baby oil into the ear with an eyedropper twice a day for two days.
Step 2
Use a rubber-bulb syringe to squirt warm water into the ear canal.
Step 3
Pull the ear lobe out and back to straighten your ear canal and let the warm water penetrate the ear fully.
Step 4
Wait a minute or two, and then tip your head to the side to let the water drain out. The excess ear wax should come with it.
Step 5
Dry the outer ear with a towel, and use a blow dryer on the low setting to dry the ear.
Tips and Warnings
- If the blockage is not removed after two days, continue to drop baby oil into the ear twice a day for up to five days, irrigating the ear canal each day to see if the blockage will release.
- Do not irrigate the ear if there is a possibility of a ruptured eardrum, as this could cause infection or further damage to the eardrum.
Things You'll Need
- Baby oil
- Rubber-bulb syringe
- Eyedropper
- Towel
- Hair dryer
