How to Treat Earwax Buildup

Earwax is produced naturally by your body to trap dirt and protect your inner ear. If it builds up in your ear canal it can create problems such as an earache, a slight loss of hearing, or ringing in the ear. You can remove excess earwax by following these steps. You may have to do it more than once to remove all the wax, but if your symptoms persist over time, you should see your doctor.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Mineral oil or hydrogen peroxide
• Cotton balls
• Rubber bulb syringe
• Warm water
• Wash cloth
• Rubbing alcohol

Soften the Wax

1. Dip a cotton ball in a small amount of mineral oil or hydrogen peroxide until it is saturated.

2. Tip your head to the side with the affected ear up.

3. Hold the saturated cotton ball over your ear and squeeze a few drops into the ear.

4. Keep your head tilted for a few minutes, then go back to your normal activities. Do not try to remove the oil or peroxide. Wait a few days before proceeding to the next step.

Flush Your Ear

5. Fill a small bowl with warm water. The water should be about 85 degrees and no warmer than body temperature.

6. Squeeze the bulb syringe and put the end in the bowl of water. Release the bulb so it will suck up the water.

7. Tip your head to the side with the affected ear up and put the tip of the bulb just into the affected ear. Do not push it in very far.

8. Squeeze the bulb to push the water into your ear. Repeat with more water if necessary.

9. Tip your head the other way to allow the water to flow out.

10. Wrap the corner of a washcloth around the tip of your finger and wipe the outside of your ear with it.

11. Saturate a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and squeeze a couple of drops into your ear if you want to dry the inner ear quickly. This step is not necessary, since your ear will dry naturally over time.

Tips & Warnings

• You can purchase over the counter commercial softeners and ear cleaning kits at a drug store.
• If you do not want to clean your ears at home, you can go to a doctor to have your ear flushed.
• You should not use home procedures to clean your ears if you have tubes or a hole in your ear.
• Never insert cotton swabs or any sharp object into your ears.

References

• Mayo Clinic

Resources

• About Earwax

Who Can Help Sponsored

• How to Lose 30+lbs Guaranteed. Try it Free.