How to Clean Out Excessive Ear Wax

Earwax may seem like an unnecessary and unpleasant brown or yellow goo, but it helps to filter dust and debris from the ear canal, while it lubricates the ear and prevents infection. Usually, wax is naturally expelled from the ear while you're talking or eating: But occasionally, too much is produced and the result is a decrease in hearing and an unpleasant, full sensation. Simple and safe home remedies can usually remove the clog.

Instructions

1

Place a few drops of mineral oil into each ear canal. Heat the mineral oil by placing the container in a bowl of warm water. Soak a cotton ball with the warm oil, then tilt your head and squeeze the oil into your ear canal. The mineral oil should be comfortably warm but never hot. Alternatively, use a mixture of half warm water and half hydrogen peroxide. You can also purchase commercial ear wax softeners.

2

Place the mineral oil or hydrogen peroxide mixture in the ear canal for up to five days to soften the earwax.

3

Remove the softened earwax during your regular shower. Stand under the shower so that warm water enters your ear. Then tip your head, so the water and softened earwax can be flushed out. You can also use a rubber bulb syringe. Fill the bulb syringe with warm water, then bend over a sink and swish out the wax.

4

Dry your ear with a hair dryer set on the lowest setting, with the nozzle several inches from your ear. Water remaining in the ear is uncomfortable and can promote infection.

5

Use home treatments to soften and remove your earwax as often as necessary. For most people, treatment once a month is usually enough to keep the ear canals free of impacted wax.