As a child, you may have been warned to never put anything in your ear smaller than your elbow. Small objects, such as cotton swabs, should not be used to clean the inner ear because they can push earwax against the eardrum, causing the ear to become plugged, says Douglas Hoffman, M.D., Ph.D. Although earwax can help prevent foreign objects from reaching the eardrum, it can also dry out and become impacted, causing temporary hearing loss, ringing in the ears and discomfort.
Step 1
Put a few drops of baby oil in the ear to help soften the earwax, recommends the Mayo Clinic. Baby oil can help moisten the wax and make it easier to remove. Place baby oil in the ear once a day for up to five days.
Step 2
Use an ear syringe to help remove the wax the day after you have first used baby oil to soften it. You can purchase an ear syringe over the counter at the drugstore. Fill the syringe with warm water, place the tip of the syringe in your ear, and squirt water into the ear. Tip your ear over the sink to allow the water and excess wax to drain out.
Step 3
Gently dry the ear with a blow dryer or a towel after using the ear syringe.
Step 4
Continue to use the ear syringe once a day for up to five days to help remove the impacted wax. Your ear may need to be flushed several times with water before the plug is completely removed.
Step 5
Consult a doctor if you are unable to remove the plugged earwax with the ear syringe and baby oil. Your doctor can use a high-powered syringe filled with water to help remove the plug, says Hoffman. Your doctor may also scoop out the excess earwax with a curette, a small, curved tool designed to remove wax without damaging the ear.
Tips and Warnings
- Place a few drops of hydrogen peroxide in the ear if you do not have baby oil.
- Consult a doctor immediately if you experience severe pain because of earwax blockage.
Things You'll Need
- Baby oil
- Ear syringe
- Blow dryer or towel
