In this article, we will discuss how to remove ear wax. Earwax which is medically known as cerumen is a natural substance which is formed by glands in the ear canal. It is known to have lubricating, protective, and antibacterial properties. The main job of the ear wax is to protect your ears from foreign particles such as bacteria and other external agents.
However, some problems may occur when there is a blockage or impaction of ear wax. It generally build up deep inside your ear canal mainly because of the use of objects such as Q-tips, bobby pins, cotton swabs, etc. Usage of such object pushes the wax deep inside your ear. Other causes of ear wax are mentioned below.
Causes of Accumulation of Ear Wax
- Narrowing of ear canal
- Production of a less fluid form of cerumen or excess production of cerumen because of some trauma or blockage in the ear canal.
- An infection or disease of the skin, bones or connective tissue.
- Lack of omega-3 fatty acids
- Deficiency of zinc
- Lack of magnesium
Signs and Symptoms of Accumulation of Excessive Earwax
- Itching
- Earache
- Uncomfortable sensation in the ear.
- Temporary hearing loss Feeling of fullness in the ear.
- Tinnitus (noises in the ear)
Apart from consulting an ENT specialist, there are many simple natural remedies to remove earwax from your ears. Below we have listed some of the home remedies to remove earwax. Try them to get rid of this problem.
Home Remedies to Remove Ear Wax:
1.) Warm Water Remedy to Get Rid of Ear Wax
One of the simple home remedies to treat ear wax is by flushing your ear with warm water. It can help get rid of excess earwax instantly. The gentle pressure of the warm water will loosen the wax, making it fall down easily.
Directions to Use Vinegar and Rubbing to Get Rid of Ear Wax:
- Take a rubber-bulb syringe and fill it some warm water (keep it body temperature).
- Now, tilt your head upright towards the ceiling and using the syringe, put a small amount of water into your ear canal.
- Wait for a minute before draining it out by tilting your head to the opposite direction.
- Clean your ear and wax with a clean cloth.
2.) Salt Water to Remove Ear Wax
Salt water is one of the best home remedies to remove ear wax. This remedy can be used easily at home. It will soften the accumulated ear wax inside the ear, making it fall off easily.
Directions to use Salt Water Solution to Remove Ear Wax:
- Take 1 teaspoon of salt and mix it in 1½ cup of warm water, Mix it until the salt dissolves completely.
- Now, take a cotton ball and soak it in this solution.
- Then, tilt your affected ear side up toward the ceiling.
- Squeeze the cotton ball to add a few drops of the saline solution into your ear.
- Hold the same position for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Later, tilt your head in the opposite direction to let the solution drain out.
- Wipe the outer part of the ear with using a clean cloth.
- This will remove the softened wax from your ear.
3.) Baby Oil to Remove Ear Wax
Another method to soften and remove earwax can be done using baby oil. Here is the method to do it.
Directions to Use Baby Oil to Get Rid of Ear Wax:
- Fill a dropper with some baby oil.
- Tilt your affected ear upward and put 3 to 5 drops of the baby oil into your ear.
- Now, place a cotton ball in ear opening to prevent oil from getting out.
- Wait for several minutes.
- Later, remove the cotton ball and tilt your head in opposite side to drain out the oil.
- Clean your ear opening using a soft cloth.
- You can also use mineral oil instead of baby oil.
4.) Vinegar and Rubbing Alcohol to Get Rid of Ear Wax
You can also remove excess wax from your ear using a combination of vinegar and rubbing alcohol solution. The combination will help dissolve the earwax fast. Plus, the alcohol acts as a drying agent which will evaporates at a low temperature and the vinegar will defend against the bacteria and fungi.
Directions to Use Vinegar and Rubbing to Get Rid of Ear Wax:
- Take an equal part of white vinegar and rubbing alcohol in a bowl. Mix it well
- Take a cotton ball and soak in the solution.
- Squeeze two to three drops of this solution into your ear.
- Leave it for five minutes and get rid of the solution as well as the wax.
- Clean the earwax from the outer ear using an ear bud.
- You can also use this remedy to treat swimmer’s ear.
5.) Hydrogen Peroxide to Remove Ear Wax
Hydrogen peroxide is also very effective home remedy to get rid of excess earwax accumulation. Because of its fizzy effect, hydrogen peroxide can easily remove earwax and debris from your ear canal.
Directions to Use Hydrogen Peroxide for Ear Wax Removal:
- Take equal parts of hydrogen peroxide (3%) and water. Mix them well.
- Using an ear dropper put a few drops of the solution into your ear.
- Wait for some time, and then tilt your head in the opposite direction to drain out the solution from your ear.
- Remove the wax which you can see near your outer ear using a clean cloth.