How to Remove Ear Wax

Ear wax is important to the health of your ear, forming a protective coating for the outer ear canal. Ear wax build-up is not necessary and should be eliminated. This advice is for the removal of ear wax from the ear of an adult. For the safety of the child, a child's ear wax should be removed by a doctor.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Begin ear wax removal by mixing equal amounts of water and hydrogen peroxide together. Start with one tablespoon. Tilt your head to the side and, using a dropper, put one dropper full of the mixture in your ear. Keep your head tilted for about three minutes. After the time has passed, tilt your head the other way and let the mixture flow out onto a tissue. The wax should be softened. It should remove easily with a cotton ball or a tissue. You may need to repeat this procedure a few times.

2. Try using a few (3-4) drops of either glycerin or castor oil If the wax in your ear does not come out easily. Drain the oil onto a tissue and wipe the ear with a tissue or cotton ball. Again, this procedure may need to be repeated a few times.

3. Use a soft rubber bulb syringe to remove the ear wax after you have washed it. This is gentle and effective. Do this regularly and keep the excess wax out of your ears!

Tips & Warnings

• If these techniques do not work, see a doctor to have the ear wax removed.
• Again, children with ear wax build-up should be taken to the doctor.
• Never use these techniques if you have an ear infection or ear ache.
• Never use cotton swabs, such as Q-Tips, to remove ear wax.

[freddy989]

on 9/9/2009 HI Ms.Collins!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[GreenMomma]

on 1/20/2009 Good tips. Wax buildup in children could cause speach delay..take it from this mom who's been there done that already! 5*

[Wasatch]

on 1/16/2009 Good tips. Not something I would need often but probably should do.

[almommabear]

on 1/10/2009 I've heard that you weren't supposed to use Q-tips but I didn't know what else to do. Thank you for the helpful article!

[Thims]

on 1/4/2009 ehow needs to fix this stupid double posting thing! I hope they can HEAR me!