Earwax buildup can cause hearing difficulties and ear pain, but there are safe and effective ways to remove it at home, such as using drops or irrigation. If these methods don’t work, an over-the-counter removal system or a doctor’s appointment may be necessary.
Under normal circumstances, ear wax provides a layer of protection against dirt, germs, and other foreign objects. In some cases, however, earwax builds up, which can make hearing difficult and cause ear pain. If earwax buildup is a concern, there are several ways to remove earwax at home, such as irrigation and the use of drops. As long as wax removal methods are done correctly, they are generally safe and effective.
A common method of removing earwax at home is to place the drops in the affected ear. A person can use baby or mineral oil, hydrogen peroxide, or glycerin to soften and break up excess earwax. You should put two or three drops in your ear twice a day for no more than five days.
After a person has been applying the drops to their ear for a few days, a warm shower may be all they need to rinse away the excess softened earwax. In some cases, you may need to flush your ear to completely remove any remaining earwax. This method of removing earwax at home involves filling a syringe with water. The tip of the syringe is inserted close to the earwax and a stream of water is gently sprayed onto the earwax.
A person should hold their head upright while irrigating the ear and pull the tip of the ear to line the ear canal. After irrigation, he should tilt his head to one side so that the water and melted wax run off. It is important for a person to use body temperature water when irrigating the ear. Water that is too hot or too cold can cause dizziness when splashed in the ear.
After irrigation, the ear should be dried to prevent infection or irritation. It can be dried with a low temperature hair dryer. A few drops of alcohol placed in the ear should also help it dry.
If these at-home earwax removal methods don’t get rid of the excess earwax, a person may need to purchase an over-the-counter earwax removal system, which usually consists of earwax removal solution and a bulb syringe. In some cases, removing earwax at home may not be effective at all, and a person will need to make an appointment to see their doctor. A doctor can use suction to extract earwax or use a special device designed to extract earwax.
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