- 1. Using pharmacy remedies
- 2. Apply drops of mineral oil
- 3. Do ear irrigation
- 4. Use a Chinese cone (hopi candle)
- Why you shouldn't use cotton swabs
- What is ear wax and what is it for
Excessive wax in the ear can be a very uncomfortable sensation, especially as it decreases hearing capacity. The best way to avoid this problem is to clean the inside of the ear with a towel every day, as the wax is naturally pushed out of the ear canal and removed by the towel, not accumulating in the ear canal.
In addition, the use of cotton swabs to clean the ear is discouraged, as they end up pushing the wax to the bottom of the ear canal, worsening the symptoms and preventing it from being removed without the help of an ear specialist. Thus, people who have always used cotton swabs and who are suffering from a blocked ear should consult an ENT to do an adequate cleaning.
Still, there are some other methods you can do at home to remove excess ear wax:
1. Using pharmacy remedies
Ear wax remedies help to soften the wax and facilitate its exit from the ear canal, allowing it to be removed. These remedies can be purchased at any pharmacy, without a prescription, but they should only be used after medical evaluation, as they cannot be used in case of ear infection, which is manifested by ear pain, fever and bad smell in that region, if there is pus. One of the best known remedies for ear wax is Cerumin, for example.
2. Apply drops of mineral oil
A simple, safe and homemade way to remove ear wax is to apply 2 or 3 drops of mineral oil, such as sweet almond oil, avocado oil or even olive oil, in the ear canal 2 or 3 times, all days for 2 to 3 weeks.
This method helps to soften the wax naturally and facilitates its removal over the days.
3. Do ear irrigation
Another excellent way to get earwax out of the ear, very effectively, is to irrigate the ear at home with a bulb syringe. To do this, follow the step-by-step:
- Turn the ear upwards; Hold the upper part of the ear, pulling it upwards; Place the tip of the syringe in the ear entrance, without pushing it in; Squeeze the syringe slightly and pour a small stream of warm water into the ear; Leave the water in the ear for 60 seconds; Turn your head on your side and let the dirty water come out, if the wax is coming out you can try to catch it with tweezers, but be very careful not to push the wax in and not to hurt the ear canal; Dry the ear with a soft towel or a hairdryer.
In case it is not possible to remove the ear wax after 3 attempts, it is recommended to go to the otorhinolaryngologist to do a professional cleaning because this doctor has the necessary equipment to view the inside of the ear canal and to remove the wax safely and efficiently.
4. Use a Chinese cone (hopi candle)
The Chinese cone is an ancient technique that has been used for a long time in China, and consists of applying a cone with fire inside the ear, so that the wax melts as the heat forms. However, this technique is not recommended by most doctors, as it can cause burns and ear injuries.
Why you shouldn't use cotton swabs
It is not recommended to use cotton swabs, or other sharp objects, such as the cap of a pen, clips or keys, to try to remove the earwax, because the swab is too large and pushes the excess wax into the ear canal and because other objects can pierce the eardrum, causing infections or even hearing loss.
What is ear wax and what is it for
Ear wax, scientifically called cerumen, is a substance produced by the sebaceous glands present in the ear canal in order to protect the ear against infections and prevent the entry of objects, insects, dust, water and sand, for example, preserving the hearing. In addition, ear wax is impermeable to water, has antibodies and acidic pH, which helps to fight microorganisms present in the ear.
