How to Get Rid of Earwax – The Best Way to Clean Out Your Ears
Yikes! Ear Wax!
Earwax is produced in the outer ear canal. The skin in this part of the ear has glands that produce this sticky stuff. There is typically no need to get rid of earwax. In fact, earwax is a very important form of protection for the ears. It moisturizes the skin of the ear canal, preventing it from getting dry and itchy. It also contains chemicals that disallow infections to occur. Earwax also forms a barrier between the eardrum and the outside world. This is essential because dust and dirt can be harmful when these things enter your ear.
In some cases though, people experience earwax buildup. This is brought about by several possible reasons. Some people have more active glands compared to others. This causes excessive production of wax. This is also attributed to aging. Others have narrow and hairy ear canals, making it harder for earwax to fall from the ears naturally.
Earwax buildup can be harmful as bacteria can start to breed and lead to infection. If you are having problems with earwax buildup, here are ways on how to get rid of ear wax.
How to Get Rid of Ear Wax Blockage
1. Soften the ear wax.
You can get rid of ear wax with olive oil or hydrogen peroxide 3%. Tip your head to one side with the ear you are treating facing the ceiling. Drop 5-10 drops of hydrogen peroxide in your ear using an eyedropper. Stop when you feel that your ear canal is filled. Stay on your side for 5 minutes to allow the peroxide to do its job. You may want to ask someone to drop the hydrogen peroxide for you. Do this for 5-7 days.
2. Clean out the ear wax.
After softening the ear wax, use a bulb syringe to put water in your ear. Make sure that you use water that is not too cold and not too warm. Use water that has about the same temperature as your body. Forcing water in your ear breaks up the softened wax, allowing it to flow from your ear. Make sure that you do not place the tip of the syringe too closely to the eardrum to avoid damaging it.
3. Dry your ears thoroughly.
Dry your ears using a towel or you can use a hair dryer. Next, place a few drops of alcohol in the ear to speed up drying. This ensures that your ear canal dries quickly, eliminating the need for cotton swabs.
Other Tips on How to Get Rid of Ear Wax
- Do not stick any object in your ear to remove ear wax. Inserting things in your ear can damage your eardrum and cause infection. It can also cause ear wax to get pushed further inside your ear canal, making ear wax removal more difficult.
- If you feel any pain or experience irritation after trying the methods above, stop continuing it. You may be allergic to the substance you used and can cause more harm than good.
- Consult your doctor. It is still best to visit your doctor and seek for medical advice. An expert can assess your ear wax problem and provide you with the appropriate steps on how to get rid of ear wax.
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