Earwax or cerumen is yellowish substance which is secreted in our ears and it acts as a natural lubricant. The earwax should prevent any damage of the ear which can be caused by bacterial infection or other harmful particles. But if it is deposited in larger amount it can be irritating and annoying and can cause dizziness, hearing loss, itching etc.
These symptoms occur due to obstruction in the ear canal. Although the ear wax is cleaned naturally, sometimes we need to clean the ears by ourselves because of the excess amount of earwax. You should be aware that cotton swabs for cleaning the ear canal are not effective at all. They push the earwax deeper in the ear canal. There it accumulates, which causes more serious obstruction.
Also, the frequent use of earplugs and earbuds may also increase the risk of excessive earwax accumulation.
When there’s too much wax built up in your ear, you’ll probably experience some of the following symptoms:
- Itching inside the ear canal
- Feeling like your ears are full or plugged up
- Dizziness
- Ringing in the ears
- Drainage coming from the ear canal
- Diminished hearing
- Earaches
Home remedies to remove excess earwax
To keep from suffering the above consequences of excessive earwax buildup, it’s important that you clean them on a regular basis and remove the earwax so it doesn’t create a blockage. We recommend that you avoid using Q-tips or other swabs, and instead try the following home remedies to remove earwax.
Saline solution
This is another effective way to remove earwax. Soak a cotton ball in the following solution: dissolve one teaspoon of salt (7.5 g) in ½ cup of water (100 ml). Then, let a few drops fall into your ear while you tilt your head to one side. Wait for several minutes for the solution to enter the ear canal and soften the earwax. Then, tilt your head in the opposite direction to force the remaining solution to drain out. You can use a tissue for it.
Paraffin oil
One of the safest and most effective home remedies for earwax removal is paraffin oil, which is sold in most pharmacies. All you need to do is heat two to three tablespoons of this oil over a candle flame. Drop a few drops in your ear and lie still for a few minutes. Then use warm water to rinse out any traces of wax. Do this for three days in a row to completely dissolve the buildup.
Hydrogen peroxide
Combine 3% hydrogen peroxide and water in equal amounts and drop a bit of the soltuion in the ear. To let it enter the ear canal, shake your head a bit. After a few minutes, tilt your head to the opposite side in order to force the liquid to drain out.
Glycerin
This natural product can also be bought in almost all pharmacies. It is extremely effective in softening and removing wax from the ear. Glycerin initially soften earwax for easy removal. For fastest results, apply four drops in each ear, three times a day.
Vinegar and alcohol solution
Mix equal parts white vinegar and rubbing alcohol in a small bowl. Dip a cotton ball into the mixture and apply a few drops to each ear.
Olive oil
Olive oil is another great ingredient that helps soften earwax and facilitate its removal. Put two or three drops of olive oil in the affected ear before going to bed, and try to sleep on the opposite side. Repeat this treatment for three or four nights in a row.
