Read on to know more about this common issue and the simple solutions you can apply.
What Is Earwax Build-up?
Earwax or cerumen is a natural substance produced as part of the body’s defense mechanism against bacteria and other foreign particles. It acts as a natural lubricant that traps the dirt while reducing the growth of bacteria. Earwax removal should not be done on a regular basis but only as and when required. It is a natural protection for the inner ear and eardrum (1).
How To Get Rid Of Earwax
Many times, since the earwax hardens, it becomes difficult for it to fall off on its own. Softer wax tends to come off easily. Hence, most remedies for the removal of earwax will try to soften it to bring it out towards the exterior portion of the ear.
How To Remove Earwax Easily – 15 Safe Remedies
1. Clean Ears With Hydrogen Peroxide
3% hydrogen peroxide solution Water Cotton ball
A single use of this remedy should give relief from the blocked ear. Even though it has a chemical name, hydrogen peroxide is absolutely natural. It is merely water reinforced with additional oxygen. All living organisms produce hydrogen peroxide naturally as a natural immune response to infection. Hydrogen peroxide bought from the medical store is chemically produced by passing compressed gas through a water solution. It can be used to remove earwax. It is also a disinfectant that will keep ear infections at bay (2).
2. Coconut Oil For Earwax
1 tablespoon coconut oil Dropper
Repeat this process if required. Coconut oil is very useful to get rid of earwax. It contains medium-chain fatty acids similar to sebum, and hence can be used without any worry. As it is also natural and effective against microbes, it lowers the risk of any infection. It may actually kill a wide range of harmful bacteria that accumulate due to the wax build-up (3), (4).
3. Clean Ears With Alcohol
1 part rubbing alcohol 1 part white vinegar
Mix the two ingredients and flush your ear with this solution to get rid of earwax build-up. Repeat this every few weeks to keep your ears clean and infection-free. A mixture of vinegar and rubbing alcohol helps dissolve the earwax. Alcohol serves as a drying agent and evaporates when the temperatures are low (5). Vinegar has astringent properties and fights microbial infections (6).
4. Almond Oil For Ear Wax
Almond oil Dropper
Fill a dropper with almond oil at room temperature. Use it in the same way as the coconut oil. Repeat this as and when required. Almond oil is another lubricant that assists in the elimination of earwax. The almond oil softens the wax and makes it easy to remove (7).
5. Clean Ears With Baby Oil
Baby oil Dropper Cotton ball
This home remedy can be used every few weeks. Baby oil is a mineral oil with the addition of a mild, soothing fragrance. Mineral oil is a by-product of petroleum. It is an effective moisturizer and lubricant and softens earwax in no time, making it easy to remove (8).
6. Clean Ears With Baking Soda
1/4 teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoons water Dropper Soft cloth
You can repeat this home remedy after a day or two, if required. Baking soda is a readily available natural therapy for earwax. It is an antiseptic that will also soften the earwax and prevents its future build-up (9), (10).
7. Earwax Removal With Saline Water
1 tablespoon salt ½ cup warm water Cotton ball
Repeat as required. The hardened wax should come out quite easily. Saline water dissolves the earwax as efficiently as strong ear drops that are recommended by doctors (11).
8. Clean Ears With Apple Cider Vinegar
1 part apple cider vinegar 1 part water
Mix the ACV and water, and flush out the ear with this solution. Repeat this process the next day if any irritation persists. The antibacterial and antifungal properties of apple cider vinegar come into use to deal with any harmful microbes that may be residing in your ear canal. The mild acidity of this solution will dissolve the earwax and remove it (12), (13).
9. Olive Oil For Earwax
Virgin olive oil Cotton ball or dropper
Repeat for a few days regularly so that the hardened wax gets ultimately dislodged. Olive oil is very helpful in softening hardened wax in ears. As it is greasy, it acts on the hardened wax and makes it pliable and easy to remove. Some studies have also indicated that virgin olive oil has strong bacteria destroying properties (14).
10. Garlic Oil For Earwax
3-4 garlic cloves 3 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil Cotton ball
For best results, do this at night before going to bed. Repeat the next day if required. If the ear blockage is accompanied by a lot of pain, using garlic oil is an effective therapy. Garlic contains allicin, which makes it a natural antibiotic. Allicin fights off any inner or middle ear infections and helps fight the pain. The oil will work on the stiff wax, and the garlic will eliminate any lurking infection. In this way, you will be able to combat the pain as well (15).
11. Mullein Oil For Earwax
A handful of mullein flowers ½ cup olive oil Cheesecloth
Use this remedy once every month for clean ears. Mullein flowers, if infused in oil, can be helpful to remove earwax. And as they have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory attributes, they will also help fight any infection that may be present (16).
12. Paraffin Oil For Earwax
Paraffin oil Dropper
Repeat for a few days to get relief. The ear canal cleanses itself. But, at times, the accumulation of excess earwax causes discomfort and pain. Paraffin oil softens the earwax and helps in its easy removal (8).
13. Glycerin For Earwax
Glycerin Dropper
Repeat this for a day or two. Many earwax drops used as softeners have glycerin in them as an active ingredient. Glycerin is moist and an effective lubricant (8). It is also safe to be used at home.
14. Warm Water For Earwax
Lukewarm water Flush the ear with lukewarm water to remove excess earwax. Repeat this as and when required. If you have a recurring issue with earwax build-up, visiting your physician at short notice may be difficult. In such situations, a mild ear flush with lukewarm water should help. Warm water softens the wax and removes other dust, oils, and so on, thereby cleaning the ears thoroughly (8).
15. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Walnuts, salmon, flax seeds, sardines, mackerel, and avocados are all rich in omega-3-fatty acids. Eating such foods reduces the problem of earwax (17). Earwax build-up can get annoying and can also lead to infections. It is better to include these remedies in your regular routine, instead of having to go to the doctor with excruciating ear pain. Listed below are a few frequently asked questions regarding earwax. What causes a wax build-up in the ears? Earwax is produced by the body to protect the outer and inner ears from germs, dust, and small objects that may enter the ear canals. It also protects the skin lining the ear canals from excess water. When the glands produce excessive wax, it starts piling up and hardening. Normal ear cleaning methods will only push the wax in further into the ear and cause more complications (21). What are the symptoms of earwax build-up? It is possible that your ear canal is blocked by earwax if you experience any of the following symptoms (18): • Unbearable itching deep inside the ear • A feeling of fullness or a blocked sensation • Vertigo • A ringing sound in the ear • A fluid-like discharge from the inner ear • A diminished hearing capacity • Pain in the ear (1, 21) How often should you do an earwax extraction? When you feel experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms and if the earwax is causing irritation, you can go ahead with the earwax removal process. In an ideal situation, there should be no need to clean the earwax. But due to the pollution and unwanted irritants in the atmosphere, earwax build-up has become a common ailment. Will impacted ear wax fix itself? No, impacted ear wax may not fix itself. You may have to consult a doctor and undergo the necessary treatment. Do hot showers help earwax? Yes, hot showers do help loosen the earwax. You may direct the water into your ears, tilt your head to one side, and let the water flow through the ears for 1 to 2 minutes. Does steam loosen earwax? Yes, steam can also loosen earwax. You can take a pot of hot water and let the ear get some steam from it. It will help loosen the wax inside. Can you melt ear wax with a hair dryer? Yes, the heat from the blow dryer can help remove ear wax. However, ensure the dryer is kept at a medium temperature. How long does it take to soften ear wax? If you apply ear drops, it may take 4 to 5 days to soften the ear wax. When earwax accumulates, it causes pain and itching and is irritating. It can be easily removed by using any of the above-described home remedies. As the ear and ear canal are very sensitive organs, utmost care and patience need to be exerted while attempting to clean your ears. Clean when required, and if you notice any unusual discharge, consult a doctor immediately. Do you know of any other ways on how to remove earwax easily? Share with us in the comments section below.
