Earwax protects the inner ear by trapping dirt, bacteria and foreign particles in the ear canal. A blockage of earwax occurs when wax builds up in the ear and becomes hard. One or both ears may be affected, and the cause of most cases of ear blockage is not known, according to the Mayo Clinic. When accumulated wax becomes painful or interferes with hearing, removal is necessary. In most cases, you can safely remove earwax at home.
Step 1
Soften the wax in your ears by applying a few drops of mineral oil, glycerin, hydrogen peroxide or baby oil directly to the ear canal twice each day. Use an eyedropper to administer the drops one at a time. The Mayo Clinic recommends against using oil or peroxide drops for more than five days.
Step 2
Flush the softened wax from your ear canal using a bulb syringe and water. Tilt your head to one side while pulling up and back on your outer ear. This will open your ear canal and make irrigation easier. Tilt your head back into a normal position to allow the water to drain from your ear. The American Academy of Otolaryngology recommends warming the water to body temperature to avoid dizziness and discomfort caused by irrigation with cold water.
Step 3
Dry your ear with a soft towel or a hairdryer after irrigation. Set the hairdryer on the lowest setting to avoid burning your ear. If any water remains inside your ear canal, encourage it to dry by placing two drops of rubbing alcohol inside your ear canal.
Step 4
Repeat this process three times before trying other methods of earwax removal. If your symptoms fail to improve after several attempts, consult your doctor for further advice.
Tips and Warnings
- Commercial products are available in most pharmacies and retail stores that are designed to soften and remove earwax. Use care when trying these products and follow the manufacturer's directions carefully to avoid injury.
- Never attempt to remove earwax at home using tweezers, paper clips or cotton swabs. Sticking these items inside your ear canal can cause wax to move deeper into your ear. You also risk cutting the delicate skin inside your ear, which can lead to infection. The Mayo Clinic recommends against ear candling as a method of removing earwax at home. Ear candling is not an effective treatment for earwax blockages and may result in obstruction of the ear canal, potentially serious burns or perforations.
Things You'll Need
- Eyedropper
- Mineral oil, glycerin, hydrogen peroxide or baby oil
- Bulb syringe
- Hairdryer
- Rubbing alcohol
