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Earwax is a natural substance that safeguards the ear and ear canal. However, excessive buildup can sometimes lead to hearing difficulties or discomfort. You can remove earwax, but it’s essential to be cautious to avoid harming the sensitive areas inside the ear. The article below not only guides you on safely and effectively removing earwax but also helps you steer clear of dangerous and unwise methods.
Steps
Before Starting Earwax Removal
Ensure your ear is not infected before removing earwax. If you have an ear infection, excessive earwax removal can lead to a perforated eardrum. Ironically, earwax actually helps protect the ear from infections. Avoid any methods, especially ear irrigation, if you:
- Have had issues with ear irrigation before
- Have experienced a perforated eardrum
- Have discharge resembling pus from the ear
Consult a doctor if in doubt. Removing earwax from the ear canal might seem harmless, but improper techniques can lead to ear damage. If you experience ear pain, avoid attempting to remove earwax yourself. Instead, seek medical advice for safe earwax removal methods.
Using a saline solution
Mix 1 teaspoon of salt into ½ cup of warm water in a glass, cup, or small bowl. Stir thoroughly until the salt dissolves.
Dip a cotton ball into the saline solution.
Tilt your head so the ear with wax faces upward. Tilt your head to one side and sit down to make it easier to apply the saline solution.
Squeeze the cotton ball soaked in saline solution to let the liquid drip into your ear. Use just a few drops and avoid flooding the ear canal.
- Let gravity help the saline solution penetrate the earwax.
Tilt your head in the opposite direction and wait for the saline solution to drain out.
Using hydrogen peroxide
Mix equal parts water and 3% hydrogen peroxide in a glass or cup. While stronger concentrations (above 6%) exist, they are not typically available over the counter. Stick to 3% or lower concentrations for safety.
Dip a cotton ball into the hydrogen peroxide solution.
Tilt your head so the ear with wax faces upward. Tilt your head to one side and sit down to make applying hydrogen peroxide easier.
Squeeze the cotton ball soaked in hydrogen peroxide to let the liquid drip into your ear. Use just a few drops and avoid flooding the ear canal.
- Let gravity help the hydrogen peroxide penetrate the earwax. You may feel a slight fizzing or bubbling sensation as the hydrogen peroxide works.
Tilt your head in the opposite direction and wait for the hydrogen peroxide to drain out.
Using vinegar and alcohol
Mix equal parts white vinegar and isopropyl alcohol in a glass or cup. This mixture can effectively treat swimmer’s ear (an outer ear infection caused by water trapped in the ear after swimming). It works well because the alcohol helps evaporate the water.
Dip a cotton ball into the vinegar solution.
Tilt your head so the ear with wax faces upward. Tilt your head to one side and sit down to make the application process easier.
Squeeze the cotton ball soaked in the vinegar solution to let the liquid drip into your ear. Use just a few drops and avoid flooding the ear canal.
- Let gravity help the vinegar penetrate the earwax. You may feel a slight warmth as the alcohol interacts with the skin and dissolves.
Tilt your head in the opposite direction and let any remaining solution drain out if necessary.
Using mineral oil or baby oil
You can apply baby oil or mineral oil directly into the ear. Use a dropper to measure and administer the oil.
Tilt your head so the ear with wax faces upward. Tilt your head to one side and sit down to make the oil application process easier.
Add 2-5 drops of oil into the ear.
Place a cotton ball over the ear to prevent the oil from leaking out. Wait for a few minutes.
Remove the cotton ball. Tilt your head in the opposite direction to let the oil drain out.
Use a saline spray or room-temperature water to rinse your ears.
- You should use saline solution twice a week to clean your ears and prevent earwax buildup. Since earwax naturally protects the ears, there’s no need to rinse them with saline every day.
Methods you should not use
Avoid using Q-tips to dig deep into your ears. Q-tips should only be used to remove earwax from the outer ear and avoid poking deep into the ear canal. The tissues in the ear canal, especially near the eardrum, are extremely sensitive and prone to infection if disturbed.
- Another reason doctors advise against using Q-tips is that they tend to push earwax deeper into the ear canal rather than removing it. Therefore, avoid using Q-tips.
Do not use ear candles. Ear candling involves placing a cone-shaped device over the ear, lighting a tall candle, and relying on the candle’s suction to draw out earwax. At least, that’s the theory. However, ear candling is often ineffective and can even be dangerous for the following reasons:
- Earwax is sticky. The suction required to remove it would need to be extremely strong, and if too forceful, it could accidentally rupture the eardrum. This is because earwax is adhesive and difficult to dislodge.
- Ear candling can push candle wax into the ear. Instead of removing earwax, it adds more wax to the ear. This happens because the candle is too close to the ear, making it a risky procedure.
- Ear candling can be hazardous. It can cause several health issues immediately after use, such as:
- The air inside the ear can become too hot, leading to burns.
- The candle can accidentally cause a fire if not handled carefully.
- This method can perforate the eardrum.
Avoid forcefully spraying liquids into your ear. While doctors may perform this procedure, you should not. Liquids forced into the ear canal can penetrate the eardrum and cause infections. The pressure from the liquid can also damage the inner ear.
Tips
- Avoid inserting Q-tips deep into the narrow ear canal. The eardrum can be damaged if you accidentally push earwax or the Q-tip too far inside.
- DO NOT use any type of cotton swab to remove earwax from the inner ear, as it can cause permanent damage.
- Regularly including vitamin C in your diet can help naturally reduce earwax buildup.
- Use ear drops prescribed by a doctor for safe and effective earwax removal.
- If earwax buildup persists after a week of trying the above home remedies, consult a healthcare professional.
Warnings
- Avoid using cotton swabs or other objects to clean your ears. Swabs can push earwax deeper into the ear canal and cause real damage. Additionally, they can make earwax harder to manage than before.
- Ear candling can cause injuries, so it’s best to avoid this method for earwax removal.
- If you experience ear pain, fever, hearing loss, or ringing in the ears, do not attempt the above methods. Instead, seek medical advice.
- Be cautious when using hydrogen peroxide for ear cleaning. It can be strong and may cause adverse reactions.
