Ear wax is beneficial to the body because it can help keep foreign particles and objects from entering the ear. If earwax hardens and moves to the back of the ear canal near the eardrum, however, it can cause hearing loss, ringing in the ear, and pain or irritation in the ear. In most cases, ear wax blockage can be treated at home. In some cases, however, the wax plug may be so impacted you may need to have it removed by a doctor.
Step 1
Place a few drops of hydrogen peroxide, mineral oil or baby oil in the ear once a day for four to five days, the Mayo Clinic suggests. The oil or peroxide will soften the wax, which will help dislodge it.
Step 2
Irrigate the ear with warm water. You can purchase an at-home ear wax irrigation kit at the drugstore, which comes with a small plastic bulb. Fill the bulb with warm water, then gently squeeze the water into the ear to dislodge the wax. Wait several seconds before tipping your head to drain the water into the sink.
Step 3
Blow the ear dry with a handheld blow dryer when getting out of the shower or irrigating your ears, recommends the Mayo Clinic.
Step 4
Put down those cotton swabs, recommends ear, nose and throat Dr. Douglas Hoffman. Cotton swabs can push more wax towards the eardrum, creating an even larger plug.
Step 5
Consult your doctor if the impacted ear wax does not respond to home remedies. Your doctor can use a syringe filled with water or a curette, a curved tool designed to remove ear wax, to remove the impacted wax from your ear.
Tips and Warnings
- Foreign objects stuck in the ear may also cause hearing loss and ringing in the ear.
- Do not stick a hairpin or paper clip in your ear to remove impacted ear wax.
Things You'll Need
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Mineral oil
- Baby oil
- At-home ear wax irrigation kit
- Hand-held blow dryer
- Towel
