>Hello Sohib EditorOnline, have you ever experienced feeling uncomfortable because of excessive earwax buildup? This condition is quite common and can happen to anyone. The good news is, there are several natural ways to remove earwax that is too deep in your ear canal. In this article, we will discuss 20 consecutive methods that you can try at home.
What is Earwax and Why Does it Build Up?
Earwax or cerumen is a natural substance produced by the glands in our ear canal. It has a vital role in keeping our ears healthy by preventing bacteria, dust, and other foreign objects from entering our inner ear. However, sometimes earwax can build up and cause discomfort or even hearing loss. This can happen due to several reasons such as:
| Causes of Earwax Buildup | Symptoms of Earwax Buildup |
|---|---|
| Poor ear hygiene | Earache |
| Certain medical conditions (e.g. eczema) | Difficulty hearing |
| Using cotton swabs or other objects to clean the ears | Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) |
20 Natural Ways to Remove Earwax
1. Salt Water Solution
Mix a teaspoon of salt in a quarter cup of warm water. Tilt your head and use a dropper to put a few drops of the solution into your ear. Wait for a few minutes then tilt your head in the opposite direction to let the solution drain out along with the earwax.
Repeat the process on the other ear. This method is effective in loosening up the earwax and making it easier to remove.
2. Hydrogen Peroxide
Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and warm water. Tilt your head and use a dropper to put a few drops of the solution into your ear. Wait for a few minutes then tilt your head in the opposite direction to let the solution drain out along with the earwax.
This method is effective in dissolving earwax and making it easier to remove. It may cause a fizzing sensation, but it is normal.
3. Olive Oil
Warm some olive oil and put a few drops into your ear using a dropper. Use a cotton ball to cover your ear and lie down for about 10 minutes. Afterward, tilt your head to let the oil drain out along with the earwax.
Olive oil helps to soften the earwax and makes it easier to remove. You can also use other types of oil such as coconut oil or almond oil.
4. Vinegar and Rubbing Alcohol Solution
Mix equal parts of vinegar and rubbing alcohol. Tilt your head and use a dropper to put a few drops of the solution into your ear. Wait for a few minutes then tilt your head in the opposite direction to let the solution drain out along with the earwax.
This method is effective in killing bacteria, loosening up earwax, and drying up the ear canal.
5. Warm Water or Saline Rinse
You can use a bulb syringe or a special earwax removal kit to flush warm water or saline solution into your ear canal. Tilt your head and aim the solution towards your ear canal.
Afterward, tilt your head in the opposite direction to let the solution drain out along with the earwax. Do not use this method if you have a perforated eardrum or other ear conditions.
6. Steam Inhalation
Boil some water and pour it into a bowl. Place a towel over your head and inhale the steam for about 10 minutes. This method helps to soften earwax and makes it easier to remove.
7. Garlic Oil
Crush a few garlic cloves and mix it with some oil (e.g. olive oil). Warm the mixture and put a few drops into your ear. Use a cotton ball to cover your ear and lie down for about 10 minutes.
Afterward, tilt your head to let the oil drain out along with the earwax. Garlic has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help prevent ear infections.
8. Baking Soda Solution
Mix a quarter teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of warm water. Tilt your head and use a dropper to put a few drops of the solution into your ear. Wait for a few minutes then tilt your head in the opposite direction to let the solution drain out along with the earwax.
Baking soda helps to dissolve earwax and makes it easier to remove. However, do not use this method if you have a perforated eardrum or other ear conditions.
9. Glycerin
Warm some glycerin and put a few drops into your ear using a dropper. Use a cotton ball to cover your ear and lie down for about 10 minutes. Afterward, tilt your head to let the glycerin drain out along with the earwax.
Glycerin helps to soften the earwax and makes it easier to remove. You can also use baby oil or mineral oil.
10. Baby Oil
Warm some baby oil and put a few drops into your ear using a dropper. Use a cotton ball to cover your ear and lie down for about 10 minutes. Afterward, tilt your head to let the oil drain out along with the earwax.
Baby oil helps to soften the earwax and makes it easier to remove. You can also use coconut oil or almond oil.
11. Mineral Oil
Warm some mineral oil and put a few drops into your ear using a dropper. Use a cotton ball to cover your ear and lie down for about 10 minutes. Afterward, tilt your head to let the oil drain out along with the earwax.
Mineral oil helps to soften the earwax and makes it easier to remove. You can also use other types of oil such as olive oil or vegetable oil.
12. Warm Compress
Soak a clean cloth in warm water and wring it out. Place the cloth over your ear for about 10 minutes. This method helps to loosen up earwax and makes it easier to remove.
13. Ear Candling
Ear candling is an alternative method that involves placing a hollow candle into your ear and lighting it. The heat and suction created by the candle are said to draw out earwax and other impurities.
However, this method is not recommended as it can cause burns, punctured eardrums, and other complications.
14. Epsom Salt
Mix a teaspoon of Epsom salt in a quarter cup of warm water. Tilt your head and use a dropper to put a few drops of the solution into your ear. Wait for a few minutes then tilt your head in the opposite direction to let the solution drain out along with the earwax.
Epsom salt helps to soften earwax and makes it easier to remove.
15. Papaya Enzyme
Papaya enzyme is a natural enzyme found in papaya that helps to break down proteins. You can buy papaya enzyme supplements from health food stores or online.
Take the recommended dosage and swallow the capsule. The enzyme will travel to your ear canal and help to soften the earwax.
16. Apple Cider Vinegar
Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and warm water. Tilt your head and use a dropper to put a few drops of the solution into your ear. Wait for a few minutes then tilt your head in the opposite direction to let the solution drain out along with the earwax.
This method is effective in killing bacteria and loosening up earwax.
17. Warm Olive Oil and Garlic
Warm some olive oil and add a few crushed cloves of garlic. Put a few drops into your ear using a dropper. Use a cotton ball to cover your ear and lie down for about 10 minutes.
Afterward, tilt your head to let the oil drain out along with the earwax. This method helps to soften earwax and prevent infections.
18. Warm Ghee
Warm some ghee and put a few drops into your ear using a dropper. Use a cotton ball to cover your ear and lie down for about 10 minutes. Afterward, tilt your head to let the ghee drain out along with the earwax.
Ghee helps to soften earwax and lubricate the ear canal. You can also use other types of oil such as coconut oil or almond oil.
19. Onion Juice
Extract some onion juice and warm it up. Put a few drops into your ear using a dropper. Use a cotton ball to cover your ear and lie down for about 10 minutes.
Afterward, tilt your head to let the juice drain out along with the earwax. Onion juice has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help prevent ear infections.
20. Warm Milk and Turmeric
Warm some milk and add a teaspoon of turmeric. Put a few drops into your ear using a dropper. Use a cotton ball to cover your ear and lie down for about 10 minutes.
Afterward, tilt your head to let the milk drain out along with the earwax. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help prevent ear infections and soothe the ear canal.
FAQs
1. Is it safe to remove earwax at home?
Yes, it is safe to remove earwax at home as long as you avoid using sharp objects or instruments that can damage your ear canal or eardrum. It is best to use natural methods or seek medical advice if you experience severe pain or hearing loss.
2. How often should I clean my ears?
You do not need to clean your ears regularly as the earwax will naturally move out of your ear canal. However, if you experience excessive buildup or discomfort, you can try natural remedies to remove the excess earwax.
3. What should I do if I experience hearing loss or severe ear pain?
If you experience hearing loss or severe ear pain, it is best to seek medical attention as soon as possible. You may have an infection or other medical conditions that require immediate treatment.
4. How can I prevent earwax buildup?
You can prevent earwax buildup by avoiding using cotton swabs or other sharp objects to clean your ears. You can also practice good ear hygiene by keeping your ears dry and clean, and avoiding exposure to loud noises or chemicals that can damage your ears.
5. Can earwax build up cause hearing loss?
Yes, excessive earwax buildup can cause hearing loss as it can block the sound waves from reaching your inner ear. However, do not attempt to remove the earwax yourself if you experience hearing loss, seek medical attention instead.
That concludes our discussion on the natural ways to remove earwax that is too deep in your ear canal. Always remember to seek medical attention if you experience severe pain or hearing loss. Take care of your ears and stay healthy!