How to Remove Impacted Earwax
Earwax or cerumen, is a mixture of glandular secretions and skin cells of the outer ear canal that protect your ears against infections and tiny particles by cleaning and trapping dirt in the ear canal. The quantity of earwax produced varies by individual. Some people produce a very small amount of wax while others produce an excessive amount to the point that blockage may occur. Earwax normally comes out on its own; however there are instances when ear wax begins to accumulate and plug up the outer ear canal resulting in impacted earwax. If left untreated, impacted earwax can cause nausea, pain, infection or hearing loss. By employing all the remedies below, you can effectively remove impacted earwax.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Purchase an over-the-counter earwax removal medication drops such as Debrox. Debrox can loosen, soften and remove earwax. Wash your hands before applying the medication. Lie on your side with the affected ear facing upward, place the dropper directly over the ear and put in the recommended number of drops. You will hear crackling sounds meaning the medication is working. After 3 minutes you will notice the loosened earwax ooze out of your ear. Rinse any remaining earwax with warm water using a clean medicine dropper. You can purchase Debrox earwax removal drops at all leading drug stores.
-
2
Drip baby oil into the affected ear. Using a clean medicine dropper, apply three drops of baby oil to the affected area while you are lying on your side with the affected ear facing upward. Cover the affected ear with a clean piece of cotton, and wait for 10 minutes. Carefully tilt your head and let the loosened earwax drip out. You can irrigate the affected ear with warm water if you feel there is still some wax left inside. Wipe your ear with a clean, wet washcloth afterward. Do this two to three times daily until the wax is loosened.
-
-
3
Purchase an earwax ear picker. Carefully insert the loop in the infected ear making sure not to force it in too far. Begin at the outer opening and slowly work your way in. Carefully and gently pick until you have removed the hardened earwax. Wash the ear picker with warm water and repeat the procedure. Discontinue if you feel any discomfort. You can purchase earwax pickers at all leading drugstores.
-
4
Consult your physician. If the above methods have been unsuccessful, you need to have a physician take a look at your ear and remove the impacted earwax using specialized medical instruments. Your physician will also determine if you need antibiotics or whether you need to see an otolaryngologist (ear specialist).
-
1
Tips & Warnings
You must consult your physician if you have a fever that accompanies impacted earwax.
