Ear wax is a natural part of the body that is used for defense. Not only is it used for cleaning and lubricating the ear canal, but it also protects it by trapping all the dirt and slowing bacterial growth. Normally, earwax blockage occurs when people try cleaning their ears by placing the cotton swabs into the ears, which then pushes the wax deep into your ear. This can cause severe damage to the ear canal lining or the eardrum. But without any artificial products you can use various home remedies for ear wax removal which we will discuss in this blog.
This is a natural cleanser, so trying to remove it without professional help isn’t the right move, as it can cause more harm than good to your ear. It’s claimed to have antifungal and antibacterial properties. If there isn’t enough earwax in your ears, they will feel itchy and even uncomfortable.
Earwax doesn’t cause problems but there comes a time when it needs to be removed. For instance, when it’s excess, it hardens or becomes blocked. So, how to do ear wax removal at home? Read along to learn the tips.
Causes of Ear Wax Blockage
Usually, the ear wax moves from the ear when we move the jaw, and this occurs slowly at a time, so it is hard to notice it. However, sometimes, it does not work as it should. Due to this, the wax may sit in the ear for a longer time, becoming hard and dry. It will then stick to the ear, thus becoming a problem.
People who are at a high risk of developing ear wax implications are kids and older people. Stuck ear wax signs include ear itching, muffled hearing, ringing ears, ear discomfort, etc. Fortunately, there are a few home remedies for ear wax removal that you can adopt to get out the wax.
ALSO READ: Itchy Ears: Causes, Symptoms & How to Get Relief
Remedies For Ear Wax Removal at Home
So, what are some ways for ear wax removal at home? If you are prone to ear wax impactions, you need tips to clean your ears easily and quickly at home. Fortunately, some effective ear wax removal tips can come to your rescue. Some homemade remedies for ear wax include ear drops, irrigation solutions, sprays, etc. Some of these remedies aren’t painful but if you try these tricks and you experience any pain, it is best to contact your doctor promptly.
Here are 7 home remedies for ear wax removal you need to know;
If you are looking for the best way to clean ear wax at home then keep reading below:
1. Oiling
As the best way to clean your ears, oil helps to soften the ear wax. You need to use the eyedropper to instill drops of oil into the ear canal. Some oils that can be used are baby oil, mineral oil, coconut oil, etc. After putting the oil into the ear, wait for a few hours, at least 2 hours then flush it out using warm water. The oil will make the ear wax softer thus helping it to ooze out of your ear canal.
2. Baking Soda
Baking soda is also useful and the best way to clean your ears. After dissolving the baking soda into the water, use a dropper to put the water into the ear. This will help flush out the excess ear wax from the ears.
3. Warm Water
Another great ear wax removal trick is to use warm water. Irrigating the ear with warm water will dislodge the earwax from the ear canal. Just squirt water into the ear using a rubber bulb then let the water run into a basin. You will notice the parts of excess ear wax removed.
4. Hydrogen Peroxide
This is one of the common and best way to clean ear wax. It involves adding drops of hydrogen peroxide onto a damp cotton ball and then applying it to the affected ear. This common antiseptic may help with ear wax removal at home. However, it’s essential to put the ear in the right position, pointing upwards, to allow the fluid to drip into your ear canal and reach the blockage.
After some time, tilt your head downward to allow the fluid, together with the earwax, to get out of the ear canal. Studies show that you should apply hydrogen peroxide to your ear wax for 30 minutes before ear irrigation. This way, the earwax will loosen up and make water irrigation easier. However, apply caution while using hydrogen peroxide. It should be used in lower concentrations. Besides, it should be used only if your eardrum is intact.
5. Saline Water
This is an effective remedy for ear wax removal that works similarly to ear drops. Actually, it’s commonly prescribed by doctors whenever you feel the ear wax is stuck in the canal. Saline water is basically a mixture of water and sodium chloride. It’s used to conduct the ear irrigation process as it helps in effectively breaking up the earwax and removing it without any issues. The best thing is that the solution can also be made at home.
6. Alcohol
A mixture of vinegar and alcohol can also be a great remedy for removing excessive ear wax from the ear. Mix alcohol and white vinegar, then measure 5 ml of it and put it into your ear using a rubber bulb. Make sure the head is tilted for one minute to allow the mixture to get to the ear canal. After that, apply it on the other ear as well and repeat the process daily as needed.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid that can help kill ear infections though studies are yet to prove that.
The acetic acid found in apple cider vinegar is antibacterial, meaning that it kills most types of bacteria. Research shows that it may also kill fungi. However, it is not recommended if you don’t have an eardrum, and consulting your doctor before use is highly advisable.
To use apple cider vinegar for ear wax removal, follow these steps:
- Mix it with warm water and use the dropper to suck it up.
- Tilt the head on one side with the affected ear facing upwards.
- Squeeze four drops into the ear and keep tilting the head for a few minutes to make sure the drops reach the ear canal.
- Now, tilt the head in the opposite direction to enable the mixture to get out of the ear.
Conclusion
These are the most common homemade remedies for ear wax. But the eardrum and ear canal are delicate parts of our bodies so that any wrong move can bring severe complications. Therefore, it is safe to contact your doctor for ear wax removal.
