Ear wax removal home remedies

Introduction to ear wax

Many people think that ear wax is a dirty substance that serves no real purpose in the ear, put that is completely false.

It is actually produced by the ceruminous lands, which are also known as the wax glands, which are located in the ear canal. This wax actually serves a very important purpose because it moistens the inner part of the ear canal and stops the skin from getting irritated. It also has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and protects the ear from infections. The wax also protects the inner ear by trapping dust, dirt and pollen and it also prevents these things from entering deep into the ear canal where they can cause the most damage.

Many experts say, in fact, that ear wax should not be removed unless it is causing serious problems like temporary hearing loss because of the build-up.

Removal methods

There are many over-the-counter ear wax removal drops that can be purchased to get rid of unwanted ear wax, but there are also easier and safer methods and home remedies that can be applied as well.

One of the simplest methods for removing ear wax is with cotton swabs. However, it should be noted that they should not be used to clean inside the ear canal, because they are too bulky and could be left inside, creating even more problems.

They are good for cleaning the outer ear, however, but should be kept out of the ear, because they will only push the wax further into the ear canal if put inside the ear.

Hydrogen peroxide is another good home remedy. Apply two or three drops of it to the ear for three days in a row and let it stay there for about five minutes before tilting your head the other way to let it come out.

The hydrogen peroxide will dissolve the wax and make it come out more easily.

After three days, pour warm water into the ear in order to flush out the wax that has been dissolved by the hydrogen peroxide. Then, of course, tilt the head again and allow the water and wax to come out of the ear.

Paraffin and mineral oil can also be used. Just take a small amount of warm paraffin or mineral oil and put a couple of drops in the ear while lying down. This too, just like the hydrogen peroxide, will dissolve the ear wax.

After a couple minutes, tilt your head the other way and allow the paraffin to come out of the ear. This should be used in the same way as hydrogen peroxide – repeat it for several days and then flush out the wax with water once it has been broken down and dissolved.