Ear wax is beneficial because it traps foreign objects that enter the ear canal. In some cases, however, ear wax can harden and become impacted in the ear canal. When the ear wax pushes up against the ear drum, it can cause hearing loss, ringing in the ear or ear pain. In many cases, impacted ear wax is not a serious condition and can be removed at home. If the wax cannot be removed at home, a doctor can remove it.
Step 1
Place three or four drops of hydrogen peroxide in the affected ear by using an eyedropper. Leave the hydrogen peroxide in the ear to help loosen the ear wax, recommends the Mayo Clinic.
Step 2
Rinse out your ear with an ear irrigation kit the day after putting in the hydrogen peroxide. An ear irrigation kit contains a plastic bulb syringe. Fill the syringe with water, then squeeze the water into your ear. Leave the water in for 30 seconds, then tip your head to drain the water into the sink. Some excess wax may come out with the water.
Step 3
Dry the ear after irrigating. Use a towel to gently dab the outside of the ear or blow the ear dry using a hand-held blow dryer.
Step 4
Consult a doctor, who can remove the ear wax with water irrigation or by using a curette, which is a curved tool that will not damage the ear canal, says ear, nose and throat specialist Dr. Douglas Hoffman.
Tips and Warnings
- Purchase hydrogen peroxide at the drugstore or grocery store. If you do not have hydrogen peroxide, use baby oil or mineral oil to soften the ear wax. The Mayo Clinic recommends placing hydrogen peroxide in the ear and using the irrigation kit once a day for four to five days to remove the impacted wax.
- Consult a doctor if you have a foreign object stuck in the ear.
Things You'll Need
- Eyedropper
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Ear irrigation kit
