Clear out ear wax with these 7 at-home methods

Ear wax can be the most annoying feeling in the world. It exists to lubricate the ear and keep it healthy but when it builds up it can be uncomfortable, irritating and lead to hearing loss.

You can clean your ears at home but some methods that we use can damage our ear canals, including sticking anything in them such as cotton tips or other pointed objects.

There are numerous chemical methods to get rid of ear wax but often it is the most natural ways that are the most effective. Here are 7 great methods that could work for you.

Salt water

Mix 1 teaspoon of salt in around half a cup of warm water until it dissolves completely. Laying down on one side with the affected ear facing to the ceiling, squirt some of the solution into your ear with a syringe and let it sit. After five minutes, tilt your head in the opposite direction in order to drain out the solution from the ear.

Hydrogen peroxide

Mix equal parts of water hydrogen peroxide and water. The same as you would with salt water, lay down on one side with the affected ear facing to the ceiling, and squirt some of the solution into your ear with a solution and let it sit. After five minutes, tilt your head in the opposite direction in order to drain out the solution from the ear.

Glycerine

Put some glycerine in a syringe and squeeze into your ear. Let the oil settle in by applying a cotton ball at the ear opening. Tip your head to the other side after 20 minutes.

Vinegar and rubbing alcohol

Mix equal parts of white vinegar and rubbing alcohol in a bowl or mug. Laying down on one side with the affected ear facing to the ceiling, syringe some of the solution into your ear and let it sit. After 10 minutes, tilt your head in the opposite direction in order to drain out the solution from the ear.

Olive oil

If your ear wax is tightly packed and persistent, put two to three drops of olive oil into your ear before bedtime and repeat every day for a week. It will help to work the wax out naturally. Once loosened, try one of the remedies above.

Bi-carb soda

Mix a small amount of bi-carb soda with water and let sit to dissolve. Laying down on one side with the affected ear facing to the ceiling, syringe some of the solution into your ear and let it sit. After 20 minutes, tilt your head in the opposite direction in order to drain out the solution from the ear.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil contains MCFA which is a form of fatty acid that can help get rid of the excess wax found inside the ear. It also has antimicrobial properties, which prevents the ear from getting infected. Place about three drops of coconut oil into the affected ear and flush out with warm water.

Other tips

• In order to prevent blockage of ear wax, keep the area moist by carefully wetting in the shower with lukewarm water.
• Don’t use candle ear wax remover — they don’t work and they are a fire hazard.
• Don’t use cold water or a strong jet to drain out the excess ear wax. If necessary, see a doctor.

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. That means it’s not personalised health advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a health-related decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get professional medical advice.