How to Remove Ear Wax Easily

Earwax is produced in the ear to trap dust and foreign bacteria, preventing them from damaging the ear. Earwax also lubricates delicate areas of the ear such as the ear canal and the eardrum. According to the National Health Institute, earwax is necessary but can cause hearing loss if it accumulates and hardens in the ear canal. Excess earwax may be removed from the ears by using ear drops to soften the earwax and then irrigating the ear with warm water to remove the earwax.

Things You'll Need

• Ear drops
• Ear dropper
• Bulb syringe
• Cotton wash cloth

Instructions

1. Fill the ear dropper with the ear drops so that it is halfway full. If you do not have commercial ear drops, use baby oil or mineral oil.

2. Lean your head toward your right shoulder, with the left ear facing up. Hold the ear dropper 2 inches from the ear while releasing 3 drops into the ear by gently squeezing the rubber release valve. Keep your head tilted this way for 3 minutes.

3. Tilt your head toward the left shoulder now, with the right ear facing up. Use the ear dropper to clean the right ear. Keep your head tilted for 3 minutes, giving the ear drops time to soften the earwax.

4. Fill the bulb syringe halfway with warm water. Tilt your head toward the right shoulder, with the left ear facing up. Hold your upper ear up and back to straighten out the ear canal while inserting the tip of the bulb syringe into the ear and squeezing it gently to squirt a small amount of water into the ear.

5. Tilt your head toward your left shoulder and use the bulb syringe to irrigate the right ear. This will give the water in the left ear a chance to drain, removing the softened earwax from the ear canal. Once you are finished rinsing the right ear, tilt your head toward the right shoulder and allow the water to drain from the right ear.

6. Dry your ears by patting them gently with a cotton wash cloth or towel. Dispose of any ear drops that remain in the ear dropper and wash all items thoroughly with antibacterial soap and hot water.

Tips & Warnings

• If it is uncomfortable to keep your head tilted, you may lie down to alternate sides as needed.

• Never insert any items such as cotton swabs into your inner ear, as this can push the earwax further into the ear and damage the ear canal or eardrum.

References

• MedlinePlus: Wax Blockage
• University of Mary Washington Health Center: Earwax
• UC San Diego Student Health Service: Earwax
• Safe Medication: How To Use Ear Drops Properly
• Georgia Health Info: Earwax