How to Remove Ear Wax at Home

The inner part of the ear is sensitive.

When you get a heavy amount of ear wax in your ears, your ears can feel funny, you can lose a small amount of hearing, infection can set in and you can develop problems relating to your sinuses. For these reasons, many people choose to remove ear wax regularly at home. There are a few methods to help you do this safely. Just take great care when choosing your methods, and remember that your ear and your ear canal can be sensitive.

Things You'll Need

• Baby oil or mineral oil or ear wax removal drops
• Medicine dropper
• Cotton balls
• Saline spray
• Warm water

Instructions

1. Apply drops directly into your ears. You can buy special drops at any drug store for the sole use of softening ear wax. Follow the directions on the medication insert exactly.

2. Fill a medicine dropper with your choice of drops, then squeeze two to five drops of the oil into the inner ear opening. Place a cotton ball into the ear to keep the oil from dripping right out again. Allow the oil to set for several minutes. Remove the cotton ball. Bend your head and allow the oil to drip from your ear.

3. Use a saline spray or water at room temperature to flush out ear wax. This can be used daily to help clean the canal and reverse the buildup of ear wax. Most drug stores carry saline spray. Pull the outside of the ear upward with one hand while gently squirting the saline or water into the ear. If you become dizzy when flushing your ear, stop immediately.

Tips & Warnings

• Regular amounts of Vitamin C in your diet can help eliminate ear wax buildup naturally.

• If ears still feel full of wax after a week's worth of at home treatment, consult your physician.

• Never use a cotton swab or any other object to clean your ear. The object may be pushed into your ear farther than you intend and can actually damage your ear canal. Plus, it can cause the wax to become impacted even more than it first was.

• If you are experiencing ear pain, a fever, loss of hearing or ringing in the ears, do not attempt any home remedies for removing ear wax. Consult your physician instead.

• Ear candles have caused injuries to many. They are not recommended for ear wax removal.

• Be careful about using hydrogen peroxide in your ears. This solution is very strong and could cause adverse reactions.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish