Earwax is a natural substance produced by glands in the ear canal that has protective, lubricating and antibacterial properties. The role of the earwax is to protect the ears from bacteria and other external agents.
Most of the time, there is a slow and orderly migration process inside the ear canal in which earwax and skin cells are transported from the eardrum to the ear opening, where it can be easily removed.
Although ear wax is a natural substance that helps protect the ear and ear canal, sometimes it builds up, causing hearing difficulties or discomfort. Earwax can be cleaned from the ear, but take care not to damage any of the sensitive parts of the ear while doing so.
Below mentioned ways will help you remove earwax safely and effectively at home.
1. Warm Water
Flushing your ear with warm water will help you get rid of the excess earwax. The gentle force of the water will dislodge the wax, making it easier to remove. Be sure to use only clean and filtered water.
- Fill a rubber-bulb syringe with slightly warm water (body temperature).
- Tilt your head upright and pull the outer ear to straighten the ear canal.
- Use the syringe to put a small amount of water into the ear canal.
- Leave it for a minute and then drain it out by tilting your head to the opposite side.
- Clean away the water and earwax with a clean cloth.
2. Salt Water
Salt water is the best earwax removal solution that can be used at home. It can soften the wax accumulated inside the ear, making it easy to remove.
- Mix 1 teaspoon of salt in one-half cup of warm water until the salt dissolves completely.
- Soak a cotton ball in the salty solution.
- Tilt the affected ear up toward the roof. Squeeze the cotton ball to put a few drops of the saline water into the ear.
- Stay in the same position for 3-5 minutes.
- Next, tilt your head in the opposite direction to allow the saline water to drain out.
- Clean the outer part of your ear with a clean cloth to remove the softened wax.
3. Baby Oil to Remove Earwax
To soften earwax and facilitate its removal, you can also use baby oil.
- Fill an ear dropper with baby oil.
- Tilt the affected ear upward and put 2-5 drops of the baby oil into the ear.
- Place a cotton ball at the ear opening to prevent oil from dripping out.
- Leave it for several minutes.
- Remove the cotton ball and tilt your head the opposite direction to drain out the extra oil.
- Clean the ear opening with a soft cloth.
- Instead of baby oil, you can also use mineral oil.
4. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is another effective remedy for excess earwax buildup. Due to its bubbling property, hydrogen peroxide can remove the earwax and debris from the ear canal very easily.
- Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water.
- Fill an ear dropper with this solution.
- Tilt your head sideways and put a few drops of this solution into the ear.
- Leave it for some time, and then tilt your head towards the opposite side to drain out the solution.
- Wipe away the earwax using a clean cloth.
5. Olive Oil
Olive oil is also used remove excess earwax. Olive oil can soften the wax, making it easier to come out of the ear. Also, its antiseptic properties will reduce the risk of ear infection.
- Slightly warm (not hot) some olive oil.
- Using a dropper put 3-4 drops of the warm oil into the affected ear.
- Allow it to settle for 10 minutes so that the earwax becomes soft.
- Tilt your head sideways and remove the oil and wax with ear buds.
- Alternatively, you can also use mustard oil.
Here is all you need to know about ear care.
