Earwax is a natural substance that helps protect the ear and ear canal; yet sometimes it settles and causes problems or unpleasant sensations. You can remove it; you just have to be careful not to damage any sensitive tissue during the operation. This article shows you how to remove earwax safely and effectively, informing you about the methods to avoid because they are dangerous and not recommended.
Steps
Part 1 of 6: Before You Begin
Step 1. Make sure you don't have ear infections before you start cleaning
If there is such a problem, removing the earwax could cause the eardrum to perforate (ironically, earwax protects against infection). Do not perform any of the methods described here, especially irrigations, if:
- You have had problems in the past with irrigation.
- You have suffered from eardrum perforation in the past.
- You have mucus discharge from your ear.
Step 2. If in doubt, consult a doctor
Removing ear wax from the ear canal may seem like a risk-free procedure, but the potential for complications is real if you don't know exactly what to do. If your ear hurts, don't risk it - go to your doctor and consult him before attempting any do-it-yourself procedures.
Part 2 of 6: Saline Solution
Step 1. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a glass or half-full cup of warm water
Stir until the salt is completely dissolved.
Step 2. Dip a cotton ball into the saline solution
Step 3. Tilt your head so that the ear from which you want to remove the ear wax is facing up
It is advisable to remain seated, to facilitate the application of the physiological solution.
Step 4. Squeeze the cotton and drop a few drops of solution inside the ear
A few drops are enough, do not flood the ear canal.
Wait a few moments for the solution to reach the earwax
Step 5. Tilt your head to the opposite side and wait for the saline solution to come out of the ear
Part 3 of 6: Hydrogen Peroxide
Step 1. In a cup or glass, mix equal parts water with hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide should be in 3% solution. Be careful, because there are stronger solutions on the market (for example at 6%), even if these are perhaps not in free sale.
Step 2. Dip a cotton ball into the solution
Step 3. Tilt your head so that the ear from which you want to remove the ear wax is facing up
It is advisable to sit still, to facilitate the application of the solution.
Step 4. Squeeze the cotton and drop a few drops of solution into the ear
A few drops are enough, do not flood the ear canal.
Wait a few moments for the solution to reach the earwax. You should feel a tickling sensation and bubbles fizzing inside the ear
Step 5. Tilt your head in the opposite direction and wait for the solution to come out of the ear
Part 4 of 6: Vinegar and Alcohol
Step 1. In a cup or glass, mix equal parts vinegar and isopropyl alcohol
This solution is very effective in cases of widespread otitis externa and infections of the external auditory canal, which swimmers and divers often suffer from. Alcohol contributes to the evaporation of water.
Step 2. Soak the cotton in the vinegar and alcohol solution
Step 3. Tilt your head so that the ear from which you want to remove the ear wax is facing up
It is advisable to be seated, to facilitate the application of the solution.
Step 4. Squeeze the cotton and drop a few drops of solution into the ear
A few drops are enough, do not flood the ear canal.
Wait a few moments for the solution to reach the earwax. You should feel a warm sensation from the alcohol evaporating on contact with the skin
Step 5. Tilt your head in the opposite direction and let the solution flow out if necessary
Part 5 of 6: Baby Oil or Mineral
Step 1. Using a syringe or medicine blower, apply a few drops of baby oil directly to the inside of the ear
Step 2. Tilt your head so that the ear you want to remove the earwax from is facing up
It is advisable to sit down to facilitate the application of the oil.
Step 3. Drop 2 to 5 drops of oil into the ear
Step 4. Cover the ear with a cotton ball to prevent the oil from leaking out immediately
Let it work for a few minutes.
Step 5. Remove the swab
Tilt your head and let the oil out.
Step 6. Use a saline spray or room temperature water to rinse the ear wax from the ear
You can use this method for regular ear canal cleaning every 2 weeks or so. Since ear wax is the normal protection of the ear, it is not necessary to clean the ear as often
Part 6 of 6: What Not to Do
Step 1. Do not use cotton swabs for deep cleaning
The sticks can be used for cleaning the outer ear, but Not you have to push them into the ear canal, where the tissues are very delicate and infections can easily occur, or where you can damage the eardrum.
Another reason why doctors advise against the use of cotton buds is that it is very easy to push the ear wax further into the ear, rather than effectively removing it. So the usefulness of cotton buds is questioned.
Step 2. Do not use the wax cones
They are applied inside the ear, igniting the upper side so that the vacuum created by the flame sucks up the earwax. This happens in theory, but the method is not very effective and definitely dangerous, for the following reasons:
- Earwax is sticky. The pressure required to "suck" it from the ear is too strong and would rupture the eardrum; this is because the earwax is firmly bound to the ear wall, and is not easily removed.
- Ear wax cones can leave wax residue inside the ear. Instead of removing the earwax, it is easy for some of the wax to remain deposited inside the ear, due to the effect of the burning flame and the funnel effect of the wax cone.
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Wax cones are dangerous. There are a number of medical problems that can occur when using them:
- The air inside the ear can become hot and burn the inner parts.
- The lit candle can start a fire if you do not pay the necessary attention.
- This method can cause perforation of the eardrum.
Get Rid of Ear Wax Step 26 Step 3. Do not spray pressurized liquids into the ear
Fluids forcibly introduced into the ear can pass through the eardrum and cause infection or perforation of the eardrum, as well as damage to the inner ear.
Advice
- Do not use cotton swabs beyond the pinna and the opening of the ear canal. You may accidentally damage your eardrum with earwax or a cotton swab.
- If you continue to feel discomfort or are unable to resolve the cleansing of earwax after a week of treatment with the techniques listed here, consult your doctor to rule out more serious conditions.
- Regular intake of vitamin C helps prevent excessive ear wax build-up.
Warnings
- Never use cotton buds or other objects to physically clean the ear, as this could damage the eardrum or push the ear wax into the ear itself.
- Be careful if you use a hydrogen peroxide solution, as it is very strong and can cause unwanted reactions.
- Wax cones have caused damage to many people, and are not recommended for removing earwax.
- If you experience ear pain, fever, or hearing loss, do not use any of these home methods and see a doctor ASAP.
