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Apr 5, 2024 · Putting hydrogen peroxide into your ear can effectively remove earwax, but it's essential to do it safely. Avoid this method if you have any ear problems, such as a perforated (tear or hole) eardrum, ear tubes, active dermatitis in your ear, an ear infection, or ear pain.
1. Soak a cotton ball in plain warm water, saline solution, or hydrogen peroxide. 2. Tilt your head so the affected ear faces up. 3. Drip a few drops of the liquid into the ear. 4. Keep your head tilted for about 60 seconds to let gravity pull the fluid down to the wax. 5. Tilt your head the other way to let the fluid and wax mixture drain out
- Overview
- Should you clean your ears?
- Home remedies for earwax removal
- Potentially dangerous home remedies to avoid
- Takeaway
You typically do not need to remove earwax, though some home remedies, including irrigation, may help reduce buildup. Removing earwax may cause side effects, including damage to the ear canal.
Earwax (cerumen) is produced in our ear canals. Its presence is usually normal and healthy. Sometimes, though, earwax buildup may be uncomfortable, unsightly, and, in some cases, temporarily affect your hearing.
Although there are over-the-counter earwax drainage products available for purchase, there are also several household items you can use to clear your outer ear canals of excess wax.
Read on to learn about safe earwax removal home remedies and what to avoid.
In a 2018 study of 206 college-aged students, the vast majority practiced ear-cleaning. Seventy-five percent said they believed the practice to be beneficial for their health.
But the thing is, you don’t really need to clean earwax out of your ears. Earwax isn’t dirt. Earwax serves an important purpose: lubricating and protecting your ears. It even helps reduce your risk of ear infections, since it has antibacterial properties.
The risks of removing your earwax can outweigh the potential benefit. Cleaning out earwax with a cotton swab can damage or irritate your ear canal or even puncture your eardrums.
You should also understand that when you clean out the earwax you can see — using an object you put in your ear — you’re also shoving earwax deeper into your ears, which can lead to earwax impaction (blockages) over time.
You should not attempt to remove ear wax if you have a perforated eardrum, ear infection, ear surgery, tinnitus, or any other ear complications. In these instances, you should consult with your doctor to help with ear wax removal.
Also if you feel pain or discomfort at any time during any of these procedures, stop immediately and consult with your doctor.
Although earwax removal is often safe to do at home, there are some cases that require the attention of a medical professional. If the above home remedies don’t work for you, contact your doctor. Don’t use the following to remove earwax:
•Small objects. Avoid using small objects such as pen caps or bobby pins to clean out your ears. Many doctors agree with the old saying, “Never put anything in your ear that’s smaller than your elbow.”
•Cotton swabs. Although they may look safe and perfect for your ears, cotton swabs are too small to be used safely inside the ear and could cause damage.
•Ear candles. There’s been a lot of coverage regarding this technique, but there are concerns that ear candles can cause injuries, such as burns and punctured eardrums.
If you feel that you have an earwax problem, your first step is to check with a doctor. They can decide if it’s a condition to address, a symptom of an underlying condition, or something to let your body handle without assistance.
Being overly aggressive with removing wax from your ears can sometimes lead to problems with your hearing, or ear canals that are itchy, painful, or more prone to infection.
When reviewing your concerns with your doctor, discuss home remedy ideas to see if they’re the correct course of action for your situation.
Your doctor might also recommend a visit with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.
These simple moves help your ears equalise pressure, especially during altitude changes or when battling congestion from a pesky cold. Hydrogen peroxide ballet: Create a dance with hydrogen peroxide (3%) and warm water. A few drops in, wait a bit, then tilt your head – watch the performance as the solution, and any softened earwax, take a bow.
Mar 19, 2024 · Hydrogen Peroxide or Carbamide Peroxide Otic. Carbamide peroxide otic is an OTC medication that treats clogged outer ears caused by earwax build-up. This treatment option has been shown to be effective. Both carbamide peroxide otic and hydrogen peroxide can help unclog earwax by making the earwax softer and looser.
Oct 16, 2024 · Options include sodium bicarbonate 5% ear drops, hydrogen peroxide, medical-grade olive or almond oil drops. Research on which method is best – or whether water or salt water (saline) works as well – is inconclusive.
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Nov 8, 2023 · Article Summary. Co-authored by Marsha Durkin, RN and Janice Tieperman. Last Updated: November 8, 2023 Fact Checked. Earwax (cerumen) is a natural substance produced by your ear canals to keep your ears dry and protect them against bacteria and infection.
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- Marsha Durkin, RN
