How to Remove Ear Wax with Saline
Ear wax removal drops are available at any drug store. But what about using saline to remove ear wax at a fraction of the cost? According to research collected by the Cochrane Collaboration, a group that surveys medical studies, saline may work just as well as commercial ear wax removal drops. And ear wax irrigation is simple with saline.
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Instructions
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Heat the saline to body temperature. The American Academy of Family Physicians found that saline heated to 90 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit was more comfortable for patients than room temperature saline.
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Place a towel on your shoulder to catch the saline that will run from your ear.
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Fill a plastic syringe (no needle!) with warmed saline.
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Place the filled syringe against the side of the ear canal and depress the plunger slowly and steadily.
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Repeat as needed. If there's a wax blockage, MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia suggests repeating the process until the wax plug is removed.
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Tips & Warnings
MedlinePlus suggests using baby oil or mineral oil to help break up hard wax in the ear. You can also add a few drops of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to the saline to help remove wax.
Never use saline, or any product, in your ears if you have a history of ear problems. If there's any chance you have damage to your ear drums, or if you have very hard wax buildup, consult with your doctor before trying any home remedies.
