Gently dry your outer ear with a towel when you’re done. You can buy pre-made sterile saline solution at the drug store, or make your own by mixing 4 cups (950 mL) of distilled water with 2 teaspoons (11. 4 g) of noniodized salt. [4] X Research source You can use tap water instead of distilled water, but you should boil it for at least 20 minutes and allow it to cool before use. If your earwax is hard and impacted, you may need to soften it first with a few drops of hydrogen peroxide, baby oil, or commercial earwax remover. [5] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
You may wish to follow up with a plain water or saline rinse. You can use this solution 2 to 3 times a day for up to a week. Stop and consult your doctor if you experience pain or irritation in your ears.
You can also use glycerin for this purpose. Try using oil to pre-soften your earwax before rinsing your ears with saline solution.
If your ears are chronically moist, you can use this solution twice a week for a few months if your doctor recommends it. However, stop and consult your doctor if you experience irritation or bleeding.
Cotton swabs can also push wax deeper into your ear, potentially causing blockages, damage, or irritation. [11] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Bleeding from the ears Perforated eardrums Burns to your face, hair, scalp, or ear canal[13] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
When irrigating your ears, use a dropper, cotton ball, or syringe bulb to gently introduce the liquid a drop at a time. Never put any liquid into your ear if you have a perforated eardrum or surgically implanted tubes in your ears. [15] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
An earache A feeling of blockage or fullness in your ear Itchiness in your ear Pain when touching your ear Difficulty hearing Ringing in your ear Dizziness A cough that isn’t explained by a cold or other condition
If you have an ear infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help clear it up. You should not put liquids or objects (such as cotton swabs) into an infected ear unless your doctor instructs you to do so. Don’t try to clean wax out of your ears on your own if you have an injured eardrum or an object stuck in your ear. [20] X Expert Source Monica Kieu, DO, FACSBoard Certified Otolaryngologist Expert Interview. 20 October 2020.
Your doctor may also prescribe medicated eardrops to help remove excess wax from your ear. Follow the instructions on these products carefully, since they can irritate your eardrums and ear canals if you use them incorrectly.
