Earwax is one of the most common and natural causes of plugged ears, infections, and swimmer's otitis. Here are some tips to safely uncork the middle ear, the outer ear and to identify any problems with the inner ear.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Free the Outer Ear
Step 1. Make sure you don't have an infection
If you suspect you have ear infection, Not use none of the following methods to unclog the ear. If you have any of the following symptoms, call your doctor right away:
- Intense and persistent ear pain for several hours
- Fever
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Secretion of yellow or green fluid from the ears
Step 2. Use a solution to soften the ear wax
You can buy it at the pharmacy or you can easily prepare it at home. You should already have everything you need. Mix hot water with one of the following ingredients: Prepare a softening solution
Mix some hot water with one of the following ingredients:
A few drops of mineral or baby oil
A few drops of glycerin
3% hydrogen peroxide, otherwise you risk damaging your ear. Mix equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide.
Step 3. Keep the solution warm
If you pour water that is too hot or too cold into your ear, you risk dizziness or dizziness. Test the water temperature
Dip a (clean) finger in the water. If you do not notice temperature variations in different places in the bowl, the solution is ready to be used.
If it is too hot: wait a few minutes before pouring it into your ear, so that it cools down. Be sure to test it again before using it.
If it got too cold: heat it up by adding a little hot water, or put it in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. Be sure to test it again before using it.
Step 4. Lie on your side
Use the force of gravity: lie down and place your ear upwards. Place a towel under your head to absorb any excess solution that will slide out of your ear.
- It is advisable to use this position if someone helps you pour the solution into your ear.
- If you can't lie down, tilt your head to the side as much as possible. You should get the same result.
Step 5. Stretch out the ear canal
It serves to facilitate the passage of the solution. Grab the ear by the lobe, gently pulling it outwards. The lobe should be perpendicular to the neck.
Step 6. Pour the solution into the ear canal
You can use a measuring cup, a plastic syringe without a needle, or a rubber pipette. Alternatively, pour the solution directly from the bowl.
Step 7. Stay stretched out for 10 to 15 minutes
The solution will take some time to dissolve the earwax. Then clear the ear of the liquid by turning your head over a bowl to collect the solution.
If you've used hydrogen peroxide, don't be alarmed when you hear bubbles in your ear. As soon as you no longer feel the popping, you can remove the solution from your ear
Step 8. Drain the ear
Place an empty bowl under your ear, and turn your head so that the liquid gets into it.
To completely empty the ear, pull the lobe to widen the ear canal (as in the fourth step)
Step 9. Repeat the wash (optional)
If the ear still seems blocked, repeat the process. If you've done this three times already but the situation hasn't improved yet, try another method outlined in this guide or contact your doctor.
Step 10. Dry your ear
Gently dry your ear, wiping away any residual earwax. You can do this in several ways: Dry the ear
Blot gently with a light, soft cloth or paper towel.
Use the hair dryer at a low temperature and intensity, keeping it a few centimeters away from your ear.
Pour a few drops of alcohol into your ear. It will dry the skin as it evaporates.
Step 11. Go to the doctor
If the earwax is very compressed and you are unable to soften it, contact your doctor for another solution.
- Your family doctor can prescribe drops that will thin the earwax. Use them with caution. Don't overdo it as it could cause damage to the eardrum.
- The otolaryngologist can manually extract the earwax plug with special tools.
Part 2 of 3: Freeing the Eustachian Tubes (Middle Ear)
Step 1. Take preventative measures
The Eustachian tubes become blocked as a result of the pressure difference between the middle and outer ear (i.e. a barotrauma). Sooner or later, it happens to everyone. Here's what to do to fix the problem:
- Be smart in flight. Do not sleep on landing. Instead, chew gum and try to yawn often. Babies can be nursed and babies can sip a drink while landing.
- Soak in slowly. When diving, you have to dive and ascend very slowly. The ear must have time to adjust to the new pressure. Avoid diving if you have a cold or a respiratory infection.
Step 2. Try to free your ears
If you can balance the pressure between the middle and outer ear, the pain will ease. Try the following remedies:
- Chew a gum
- Yawn
- Suck on a candy
- Inhale deeply, pursing your lips and keeping your nose blocked, then suddenly exhale
Step 3. Treat a cold
The membranes of the Eustachian tubes connect the ear to the throat. Therefore, they swell quickly when you have a cold or an allergy.
- Take a decongestant or antihistamine to relieve inflammation of the membranes. You can use an oral product or a nasal spray.
- Rest and regain your strength. Fighting the cold is useful for unblocking the Eustachian tubes in no time.
Step 4. Put a warm compress on your ear
Lie on your side and place a heating pad or cloth dipped in warm water over your ear. It should relieve the pain.
- Place a cloth between the cushion and the head to avoid burns.
- Don't fall asleep with the heating pad on your ear. You could cause a fire.
Step 5. See your doctor if pain persists
A barotrauma can cause long-term complications if left untreated and it gets worse. If you have the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:
- Intense pain
- Pus secretion
- Bleeding
- Fever
- Intense dizziness
- Severe headache
Part 3 of 3: Recognizing an Inner Ear Problem
Step 1. Learn to recognize the symptoms of an inner ear problem
Dealing with an inner ear filling is more problematic than dealing with an outer ear filling. It is often caused by inflammation or infection. There is a way to alleviate it however. If you suspect you have this problem, pay attention to these symptoms:
- Earache
- Dizziness
- Dizziness
- Problems with balance
- Nausea
- He retched
- Loss of hearing
- Ringing in the ears
Step 2. See a doctor immediately
He will be able to examine your ear to make a diagnosis. If you actually have an inner ear infection, he will prescribe medication for you to treat it. With this treatment, it could heal in about two weeks.
Step 3. Take the medications prescribed by the doctor
To treat the infection, he may prescribe antibiotic or antiviral drops. they may also recommend over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen. In some cases, he may give you steroids to treat ear inflammation.
If you are feeling nauseous, it may also give you something to relieve that particular symptom
Advice
- Both the water and the bowl must be clean. If you are unsure of the quality of the water, boil it, then wait for it to cool before using it to make the solution. Alternatively, buy distilled water.
- It is best to avoid using wax cones. Their effectiveness has not been proven. You risk getting burned or damaging your ear.
- Don't push too hard, you could puncture your eardrum, causing permanent damage.
- Do not use cotton swabs as they tend to push the ear wax deeper and could damage both your ear and hearing.
- The eardrum is very sensitive and tends to get irritated easily. You should only unclog your ears when absolutely necessary.
- The occlusion caused by earwax affects the audiometric evaluation. Make sure your ears are clean before you undergo an audiometric test.
- Clean your ears regularly.
- Take care of your body.
Warnings
- Never scratch the eardrum with your fingernail to unclog it. You could damage your ear or hearing.
- Do not use a sprinkler or other types of water flows into the ears. You risk permanently damaging the eardrum.
- This procedure is intended to remove ear wax from the ears. If they are blocked by a foreign body, see your doctor.
- Do not use this method if you have lacerations or damage to the eardrum. Ask your doctor for advice.
