Earwax is a beneficial in a couple of ways, including helping to maintain a pH balance in your ear and protecting against the penetration of water into the inner ear, both of which are important for inhibiting the growth of bacteria. However, too much earwax can lead to hearing loss, tinnitus or earaches. Using tea tree oil is a safe, harmless way to remove earwax.
Do Not Use Cotton Swabs
Cotton swabs are less than optimal for several reasons. First, you run the risk of perforating the eardrum, which is extremely painful and raises the chances for infection in the inner ear. Second, it could scrape away too much wax, which would also lead to the increased possibility for infection. Third, it could push impacted earwax farther back into the ear, making it more difficult to remove later on and increasing the chances of accumulating too much earwax.
Using Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil droplets in your ear will help loosen up earwax. Additionally, tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic, meaning that it will kill any fungus or bacteria that is growing in your ear. Put a couple drops of oil into each ear every day for 5 to 7 days. Tilt your head to the side as you place the drops, and keep your head tilted until you feel the oil draining into your ear. Repeat this process twice a day.
Getting Rid of the Wax
Once you feel that the wax has loosened up a bit, it is time to remove it. Acquire a small, blue rubber ball syringe found at drug stores and pharmacies. Fill it with water that is as close to body temperature as possible. Tilting your head down, pull up on your ear with your free hand while you gently squirt water into your ear with the syringe. Then turn your head over the sink and wait for small bits of wax to come out with the water.
Drying Your Ears
Using a dropper, place a few drops of rubbing alcohol into your ear, tilting it one way and then the other. The rubbing alcohol will dry out your inner ear. Be sure to drain the alcohol from your ear after allowing it a couple of seconds to dry everything out. Also remember to dry the outer ear as well in order to prevent any moisture buildup inside.
References
Resources