Home Remedies For Ear Wax

Earwax, also known by the medical term cerumen, is a yellowish waxy substance secreted in the ear canal of humans and other mammals. It protects the skin of the human ear canal, assists in cleaning and lubrication, and also provides some protection from bacteria, fungi, insects and water.

Earwax is produced by glands in the ear canal. Although scientists are still not completely sure why we have earwax, its purpose is to trap dust and other small particles and prevent them from reaching, and potentially damaging or infecting the eardrum. Normally, the wax dries up and falls out of the ear, along with any trapped dust or debris. Everyone makes ear wax, but the amount and type are genetically determined just like hair color or height. Smaller or oddly shaped ear canals may make it difficult for the naturally occurring wax to get out of the canal and lead to wax impactions.

Earwax Causes

Blockage, or impaction, also occurs when the wax gets pushed deep within the ear canal. Earwax blockage affects about 6% of people and is one of the most common ear problems doctors see.

The most common cause of impactions is the use of Q-tips (and other objects such as bobby pins and rolled napkin corners), which can remove superficial wax but also pushes the rest of the wax deeper into the ear canal.
Hearing aid and earplug users are also more prone to earwax blockage.

Earwax Symptoms

Symptoms of an earwax impaction include:

Decreased hearing
Dizziness
Ear pain
Plugged or fullness sensation
Ringing in the ear
Itching or drainage from the ear canal

Remedies for Ear Wax Removal

How to remove ear wax build up at home? Well, there are a lot of home remedies. Some of the common natural remedies to unblock and remove the hardened ear wax are given below:

1. Try Saline Solution

Mix 1 teaspoon of salt in around ½ cup of warm water until it dissolves completely. Now, soak a cotton ball in the solution and squeeze few drops of it into the ear by slightly tilting your head upwards. Be in this position for some time so that the salty water properly gets inside the ear. Now, tilt your head in the opposite direction in order to drain out the solution from the ear. This is the best ear wax removal solution to get rid of the problem at home.

2. Hydrogen Peroxide

Mix equal parts of water hydrogen peroxide and water. Make sure that the hydrogen peroxide is not above 3%; otherwise, it may be harmful. Pour a few drops of it into the ear by tilting your head sideways. Let it settle down in the ear for some time. Now, tilt your head towards the opposite side and let the extra solution drain out. This is an effective ear wax removal solution.

3. Baby Oil/Glycerin

Soften the ear wax by putting a few drops of baby oil or mineral oil with the help of a dropper. Let the oil settle in for some time by placing a cotton ball at the ear opening. This prevents oil from oozing out before reaching the ear wax. Take out the cotton ball after some time in order to drain out the extra oil from the ear. Oil helps to soften the impacted ear wax while facilitating the removal of ear wax.

4. Vinegar and Rubbing Alcohol Solution

Mix equal parts of white vinegar and rubbing alcohol in a bowl or mug. Pour few drops into the ear clogged with ear wax. This solution greatly helps in getting rid of the ear wax, which can be irritating sometimes.

5. Olive Oil

One of the best ways to remove the ear wax is olive oil as it softens the ear wax, thus making it easier to come out from the ear. Put two-three drops of olive oil into the ear, affected by excessive blockage, during bedtime. Repeat it continuously for 3-4 days. Ear wax removal through olive oil is an effective way as it softens the ear wax, thereby making it easier to remove.

6. Warm Water

Pour little warm water in the affected ear. Leave it for a few seconds. Then, drain it out.

Note: Use only clean water.

REMEMBER

See your doctor if you think you may have any symptoms of an earwax impaction. Other conditions may cause these symptoms and it is important to be sure earwax is the culprit before trying any home remedies.

Go to the hospital if: