Ear Wax Removal At Home: Tips And Safe Methods For Clean Ears

Earwax is a beneficial and natural part of your body's defence system. It helps to clean, lubricate, and protect your ear canal by capturing dirt and inhibiting bacterial growth. Blockages in the earwax often occur when individuals attempt to clean their ears themselves using cotton swabs or other objects. This typically pushes the wax further into the ear, potentially causing significant harm to the ear canal's lining or the eardrum. It's important not to use items like paper clips, cotton swabs, or hairpins to remove excess or hardened earwax. Below, we provide some home remedies for safely removing earwax from your ears.

How To Remove Ear Wax At Home

Here are some home remedies for safely removing earwax at home:

1. Warm Water Rinse

Steps: Use lukewarm water to irrigate your ear canal gently. Tilt your head to the side and let the water flow into your ear. Afterwards, tilt your head in the opposite direction to let the water and wax drain out.

Frequency: Perform this procedure once daily until the wax clears.

2. Natural Oils

Steps: Warm a small amount of olive oil or mineral oil and put a few drops into your ear. Lie down for a while to let the oil soften the wax before allowing it to drain out naturally.

Frequency: Repeat this process for a few consecutive days.

3. Hydrogen Peroxide

Steps: Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water, then put a few drops into your ear. Wait for the solution to fizz and bubble, indicating that it's softening the wax. Tilt your head to drain out the mixture along with the wax.

Frequency: Apply once a day for up to a week.

4. Baking Soda Solution

Steps: Dissolve baking soda in warm water and put a few drops into your ear. Let it sit for some time before rinsing it out.

Frequency: Use this solution once daily for a couple of weeks.

5. Saline Solution

Steps: Mix salt with warm water, put a few drops into your ear, and let it sit for a few minutes. Tilt your head to drain out the solution and wax.

Frequency: Apply as needed until the wax dissolves.

6. Commercial Ear Drops

Steps: Use over-the-counter ear drops designed to soften earwax according to the instructions on the packaging.

Frequency: Follow the recommended usage instructions.

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Important Tips:

Dr. Manish Arya, an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist based in Dwarka, provided us with some advice on maintaining ear hygiene.

• Avoid inserting objects into your ear: This can push the wax deeper and cause injury.
• Use warm liquids: Cold liquids may cause discomfort or dizziness.
• Seek medical advice: If you experience persistent issues or discomfort, consult a healthcare professional.
• If you use hearing aids, make sure to routinely inspect and sanitise them as per the guidelines provided by the manufacturer to avoid the accumulation of earwax.