If you are suddenly having difficulty hearing or feel an itchy sensation in your ear, your ear canal may be blocked with ear wax. Ear wax is beneficial because it keeps foreign objects from entering your ear canal, but when ear wax hardens and impacts the canal, it can press against your ear drum. This impacted ear wax can cause hearing loss and discomfort in the ear. In most cases, wax can be dislodged using home remedies. In some cases, a doctor may need to remove the impacted wax.
Step 1
Soften the ear wax by letting warm water run into your ear while in the shower. Tip your head to the side, so your ear is facing the ceiling. Allow water to fall into your ear, wait several seconds, then tilt your head to the opposite side to remove the water. Repeat several times.
Step 2
Drip a few drops of mineral oil or baby oil into the ear using an eyedropper, recommends the Mayo Clinic. Repeat once a day for four to five days will help soften the wax.
Step 3
Squirt warm water into the ear using an at-home ear irrigation kit. You can purchase an ear irrigation kit with a plastic bulb at the drugstore. Fill the plastic bulb with warm water, then gently squeeze the water into your ear.
Leave the water in your ear for several seconds, then tip your head over the sink to pour out the water and excess wax.
Step 4
Blow your ears dry with a hand-held blow dryer after irrigating or getting out of the shower, recommends the Mayo Clinic.
Step 5
Consult a doctor if the ear canal is still blocked. Your doctor can use a curved tool called a curette to help scoop out the wax without causing damage to your ear.
Tips and Warnings
- If you do not have baby oil or mineral oil, use hydrogen peroxide to soften the wax.
- Never use cotton swabs to clean out your ear, says otolaryngologist, George W. Facer, M.D.
Things You'll Need
- Eyedropper
- Mineral oil
- Baby oil
- At-home ear irrigation kit
- Hand-held blow dryer
