How to Fight Chronic Earwax Buildup
Earwax is normally present in all human ears. However, some people natuarally generate more of it than others. When it builds up or becomes impacted, it can cause significant discomfort and hearing loss. While it does not typically cause permanent damage, it can be difficult to remove, especially if it has built up over several years. The common symptoms of heavy wax buildup are muffled hearing and a sensation that your ears are under water.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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1
Purchase an earwax removal solution like Debrox. The active ingrdient is carbamide peroxide and it works by softening the earwax plug and loosening it with oxygen bubbles. The directions can be a little misleading however. The box says to apply 5 to 6 drops and to leave them in the ear for a few minutes. However, if you have significant earwax buildup, it really should stay in your ear for at least half an hour. Once you place the drops in your ear, insert some cotton in the ear canal to keep the solution from leaking out while you wait.
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2
After half an hour, remove the cotton from your ear, and let the liquid run out. Then take your bulb syringe fill it with lukewarm water. Then use the syringe to wash the ear out over the sink. Take care to make sure the water is not too warm, or you may feel dizzy. Hopefully, you will see a plug of ear wax fall into the sink. Allow your ear to dry and repeat if you do not notice improvement.
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3
By now, even if the earwax plug has not come out, it likely has at least been moved and or loosened. This is the time to use the Ototek Loop (see Resources), which is a device specifically invented for the purpose of fishing out earwax. It is safe for use in adult ears as long as common sense is applied. Follow the directions on the package and use only as directed.
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4
If your earwax has built up over a very long period of time, even the methods listed above may not be enough. In this case it is time to visit an ear-nose-throat specialist. They will use a special vacuum device to remove the wax. It is very effective, but unfortunately it is also rather uncomfotable. Be prepared to feel a bit disoriented after the procedure is complete. You may want to have some one around to drive you home afterwards.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Never use cotton swabs (Q-tips) to remove ear wax. Not only is there a danger of puncturing you ear drum, but becasue of the way the swab is shaped, all you will do is push the wax deeper into your ear canal, thus further impacting it. Instead, use the Ototek Loop.
"Ear candling" is a folk remedy involving placing a buring candle in the ear canal to "suck out wax." This method has been scientifically proven not to work. It can also be dangerous so do not use this method.
