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Talking about earwax removal might sound a bit off-putting, but it is a matter that should not be taken lightly as it affects the health of your ears. A small amount of wax can actually help maintain ear health and function properly, but too much buildup can lead to blockage, pain, and even infections. Fortunately, you can easily remove earwax at home using a common ingredient that is likely already in your kitchen: olive oil!
Steps
Removing Earwax Using Olive Oil
Do not use olive oil if your ear is injured. Olive oil is generally safe for healthy ears, but it can cause irritation if your ear is hurt or in poor condition. If you experience any of the following issues, consult with your doctor before proceeding:
- Ruptured eardrum
- Frequent ear infections
- Hearing loss
- Issues with mastoid bone
- Any condition requiring you to keep your ear dry
Heat the olive oil. Olive oil helps soften earwax, making it easier to drain out. However, before applying it to your ear, you should warm the oil to body temperature, about 37°C. This temperature is also that of the ear, which will make it more comfortable. Warm two to three tablespoons of oil.
- Do not overheat the oil as it can damage your eardrum.
- Olive oil is a common choice but not the only one. Hydrogen peroxide, glycerin, baby oil, or mineral oil are also safe alternatives.
Optional: Add essential oils. When the ear is blocked, bacteria may accumulate, leading to an ear infection. For this reason, some people add antibacterial essential oils. While olive oil alone can clean the ear effectively, make sure to test a drop of the oil on your skin first to check for any irritation. Add about four drops of essential oil to the warmed olive oil. You can add these essential oils:
- Garlic oil
- Eucalyptus oil
- Lavender oil (safe for children)
- Oregano oil
- St. John’s Wort oil
Store the mixture in an eye dropper bottle. After mixing the olive oil with the essential oil of your choice, transfer some of the solution into an eye dropper bottle. This will help you apply the correct amount of oil and make the process of dropping it into your ear much easier.
Drop two drops of the solution into your ear. Instead of filling your ear completely, only drop a few drops and let them soak into the earwax. Tilt your head for five to ten minutes to prevent the oil from leaking out.
- Place a towel near your ear in case the oil drips out when you return your head to its normal position.
Repeat the process two to three times a day. The first application might not be effective, so you should repeat the process two to three times a day for about three to five days to give enough time for the earwax to soften and break up.
Consider cleaning your ear. Although olive oil can soften earwax, sometimes it may not be enough to remove it. In such cases, you can rinse your ear if necessary. Use a bulb syringe (like the ones for children), tilt your head, and gently squirt warm water into the ear where you’ve applied the oil.
- Be gentle when pumping, as a strong stream could damage the eardrum.
- For best results, pull your ear upwards and backwards to straighten the ear canal.
- You can also ask a doctor to clean your ear. Using medical tools with accurate water pressure, they can safely perform the cleaning for you.
See a doctor. If softening and rinsing the ear doesn’t yield results, you should consider seeing a doctor. They will have more effective and safe methods to clear your blocked ear. Additionally, a doctor can examine your ear and provide a proper diagnosis. It’s possible that your ear blockage isn’t caused by wax, but by other conditions such as:
- Sinusitis – inflammation of the sinuses
- Meniere’s disease – a disorder of the inner ear causing hearing loss and balance issues
- Cholesteatoma – a cyst in the middle ear
- Auditory nerve tumor – a tumor on the auditory nerve
- Invasive fungal infection
- Serous otitis media – middle ear infection
- Temporomandibular joint dysfunction
Proceed with the Next Steps
Balance the pressure in your ear. Usually, the sensation of fullness in the ear isn’t due to a blockage, but due to a temporary Eustachian tube dysfunction. You can open the Eustachian tube to balance the pressure in your ear with simple methods such as:
- Yawning
- Chewing gum
- Swallowing
- Exhaling through your nose while closing both nostrils with your fingers.
- Common causes of Eustachian tube dysfunction include the common cold, flu, changes in altitude, and exposure to pollutants like cigarette smoke.
Stay hydrated. If the pressure in your ear is caused by sinus congestion, you can relieve it simply by drinking plenty of water. Water helps thin mucus, which is the cause of this issue. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water every day.
Elevate your head while sleeping. By using an additional pillow to raise your head, the fluid in your sinuses will flow more easily, helping to relieve pressure in your ear.
Apply a warm compress to your ear. Try heating a towel and gently press it against your ear for a few minutes. You can use a cup to hold the towel in place at ear level to trap the warmth inside.
Take a hot shower. If the pressure in your ear is due to sinus congestion, try taking a hot shower to help relieve the discomfort and drain the mucus that’s filling your sinuses. You’ll feel more comfortable afterward.
Use over-the-counter (OTC) medication. There are several OTC medications available that can help relieve ear pressure, depending on the underlying cause. Some common options include:
- Antihistamines - If ear pressure is due to nasal congestion caused by seasonal or environmental allergies, antihistamines can help alleviate the symptoms.
- Decongestants - If the pressure is from a cold or flu causing nasal congestion, a decongestant can help clear the blockage and reduce pressure.
- Cerumenolytics - These work similarly to olive oil, softening earwax, which could be the source of the blockage and ear pressure.
See a doctor. If the ear pressure is causing pain and the above methods don’t work, it’s time to see a doctor. They can accurately diagnose the cause of the issue and determine the best treatment plan for your case.
Advice
- If you're unable to remove the earwax, it's best to see a doctor. They have specialized tools for cases where the earwax is too impacted to remove, including tiny suction devices that work like vacuum cleaners to pull the wax out.
- Don't let earwax build up to the point where it becomes impossible to remove. If the earwax completely blocks the entrance to your eardrum, a sudden change in head pressure could cause your eardrum to rupture, leading to severe pain.
Warning
- Never use cotton swabs or any other object to dig out earwax. Doing so will only push the wax deeper into your ear and increase the risk of puncturing your eardrum.
- Avoid this method if your eardrum is already torn or ruptured.
- Be sure that after warming the olive oil, you test a few drops on your forearm to check that the temperature is comfortable before applying it to your ear.
