How to Remove Ear Wax

Ear wax is produced by glands in the outer ear and is important for the protection of your ear and hearing.  The amount usually varies from person to person.  Some people produce very little wax which eventually falls out. However, there are those people who produce enough wax to block the canal for a long time.  If your ear feels clogged; you are experiencing minor hearing loss; ringing in the ear, or an earache, here are some suggestions on how to remove ear wax.

Have you ever heard the old saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure?”

Use these preventative measures to avoid wax build-up. If you work in a dusty environment, use ear plugs. Clean your ears often with a wash cloth and gentle use of a cotton tipped swab.

Remember that you should not, under any circumstances, try to remove ear wax with a cotton swab, stick, or any other implement.  You can easily compact the wax against your eardrum, or in some cases, puncture it. 

A home remedy for wax build-up is derived from an old-wives tale.  It involves pouring lukewarm oil or water into the ear, letting it soak and then tipping your head to the side for draining. This is supposed to soften the wax and make it easier for it to come out but produces limited results.

You can visit your local pharmacy and purchase solutions that you can use more effectively to remove the wax.  Follow the directions carefully.  If you have any questions, consult your pharmacist.

Another solution is to go to your doctor who may soften the wax with eardrops before removing it.  If the wax is too difficult to remove, your doctor may elect to dislodge the wax by using a suction bulb or by using a powerful tiny jet of water.