When ear wax builds up excessively in the ear canal, it is possible for the ears to become blocked. Although it is an important defense weapon to prevent bacteria and other impurities from entering the body, too much ear wax can decrease hearing ability. These instructions will help you clean your ears properly.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Home Remedies
Step 1. Make sure you don't have an infection or a perforated eardrum
Cleaning your ears in these situations can be extremely dangerous, therefore Not use this method even if you suspect you have that problem. Rather, it is best to seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an ear infection include:
- Fever
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Pouring of yellow / green liquid from the ears
- Sharp and persistent pain
Step 2. Prepare a solution to soften the ear wax
You can buy a solution containing "carbamide peroxide" at the pharmacy or make it yourself. Combine hot water with one of the following options:
- A teaspoon or two of 3-4% hydrogen peroxide solution
- A teaspoon or two of mineral oil
- A teaspoon or two of glycerin
Step 3. Prepare an applicator (optional)
You can simply pour the solution into your ear directly from the bowl if you don't have one handy. However, having one will make the process easier and cleaner.
- You can use a large plastic-tipped syringe, a rubber bulb, or a dropper.
- Fill the applicator with the solution. Collect enough to make it more than half full.
Step 4. Tilt your head to one side
Try to keep the ear canal as vertical as possible, this will make the cleaning process more effective. Rest one side of your head on a flat surface with your ear facing up.
You can try lying on your side. Make sure you put some cloths under your head so that any excess solution is collected
Step 5. Slowly put the solution into your ear
Pour the solution into the ear directly from the bowl or position the end of the applicator a few centimeters (not inside) from the ear canal and press gently.
- If you've used hydrogen peroxide, you may hear a popping sound. Don't worry, it's completely normal.
- You may need another person's help to get it done correctly.
Step 6. Let the solution work for a few minutes
Keep your head in place and give the solution some time to attack the earwax. 5/10 minutes should be enough.
If you have used hydrogen peroxide, wait for the aforementioned bubble noise to stop
Step 7. Drain the ear
Place an empty bowl under your ear, or place a cotton ball on the outermost part of the ear, then turn your head to the side and let the liquid drain out.
- Make sure you don't press the cotton ball against your ear. It will be sufficient to keep it lightly pressed against the outer part of the ear, so that it can collect the liquid coming out.
- You can use this solution up to twice a day for up to four days to soften the ear wax before removing it.
Step 8. Do an ear wash
Once the ear wax has softened, use a special syringe to gently let warm water (37 ° C) into the ear canal.
- Gently pull your earlobe down to open the ear canal as much as possible and allow the water to escape.
- Do this over the sink, bathtub, or container - small residues of ear wax may come out of your ear, as well as water.
Step 9. Water your ears again
If you have very dirty ears, you may need to repeat the process twice a day, for no more than four to five days.
Don't do this too often. Doing so could damage the eardrum and sensitive skin in the ear canal
Step 10. Dry your ears
When finished, place a towel on your ear and tilt your head to the other side to let the water out. Gently pat the outside of the ear with a towel, then repeat the process for the other ear.
If this process does not completely remove the ear wax from the ear canal, see a professional over a 3-5 day period for irrigation
Method 2 of 2: Medical Remedies
Step 1. See a doctor
If you experience ear pain, muffled sounds or a completely plugged ear, consult your doctor. In a few minutes he will be able to tell you if you need a professional wash and do it directly in his office by uncorking the ear. You may experience the following symptoms:
- Persistent earache
- Hearing muffled
- Feeling of fullness in the ear
Step 2. Use an over-the-counter medication
To treat long-term ear wax problems, your doctor may recommend the regular use of "carbamide peroxide" (usually at 4/8 week intervals).
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist for professional advice.
- Your doctor may also prescribe specific medications, in drops, that contain Trolamine polypeptide oleate.
Step 3. Relax
The doctor may wash the ear canal using a special syringe or remove larger pieces of ear wax using a medical instrument called a "curette". You will not feel pain, and in a few minutes you will have solved your hearing and cleaning problems.
Step 4. See a specialist if needed
Ask an otolaryngologist for advice if the problem is chronic and the earwax production is really excessive.
Advice
- According to specialists, cotton buds are very harmful. Cleaning the ears with a cotton swab plus create serious hearing problems. A good cleaning practice could be to dry the ear well after a shower by passing a clean towel at the entrance of the ear canal.
- If you have any doubts about these tips, ask your doctor for clarification.
- Wash your ears immediately after a shower. Washing your ears after taking a shower is easier because the earwax is softer.
- Do not use hydrogen peroxide in case of eardrum perforation or chronic hearing problems.
- Consult a specialist for abnormal cases of excessive earwax production or hearing problems.
- If hydrogen peroxide dries your ears too much, put a few drops of baby oil or mineral oil in your ear.
Warnings
- If you suspect that you have an infection or a perforation of the eardrum, do not use any of these remedies and seek immediate medical attention.
- Do not use the "hydrogen peroxide" technique more than 1-2 times per week.
- Do not use home methods on children under the age of 12.
- Avoid methods that involve using a "cone candle" to remove earwax thanks to the "chimney effect". Not only are they not fully effective, but they can cause burns and perforations of the eardrum.
