Mixture for Earwax Removal

Generally speaking, ears are self-cleaning parts of the body. Occasionally, however, the self-cleaning mechanism fails. Earwax buildup can cause some people to feel stuffed or blocked or that their hearing is impaired. Individuals with blockage may feel like they have fluid in their ears. In most cases, an abundance of earwax can be safely removed with simple over-the-counter remedies and irrigation.

Earwax Buildup

• Earwax is a sticky substance that is secreted by the cerumen glands. Under normal circumstances, earwax is beneficial to the ears. It traps dirt, bacteria and any other small foreign objects that enter the ear canal and prevents them from doing harm. When earwax blocks the ear canal it becomes harmful. Under these circumstances it can cause pain and temporary hearing loss. It may cause a person to cough. Only a small amount of earwax is needed to block hearing if it is lodged in the right place. Pain occurs when the wax hardens.

  Earwax buildup may occur in both ears or in just one ear. A person may have problems with wax buildup on a frequent basis or it may occur just once. Usually the cause of the sudden development of earwax buildup remains unknown.

Ear Swabs

• Properly cleaning the ears requires a gentle hand and caution. Inserting any object into the ear can result in pain and injury. The use of ear swabs is one of the most controversial topics in the subject of ear cleaning. Professionals argue sticking a swab into the ear can result in several problems. First, there is a chance you will injure the ear if the swab is inserted too forcibly or too deep. Second, there is a risk of scratching the inner ear which may result in a painful infection. Third, the act of inserting the swab into the ear may actually 'pack' the wax into the ear. And, there is a risk the cotton part of the swab may break off and become lodged in the ear.

Earwax Removal

• Irrigation is the safest form of earwax removal. The first line of treatment often involves flushing the ear canal with warm water. If this does not work, you can flush the ear with a mixture containing water and hydrogen peroxide. Most over-the-counter remedies contain hydrogen peroxide or an ingredient that is very similar.

  Soften the wax before removal with hydrogen peroxide. Using a small ear dropper, apply about four drops of hydrogen peroxide into the ear. Do this several times a day for three or four days in a row. Fill a small bulb syringe with warm water and use it to flush out the ear. Tilt your head so the water will run out. When you are finished, gently wipe the ear with a soft cloth to dry. Or, you can use a cotton ball. Use the eye dropper to put a drop or two of alcohol into the ear. The alcohol will help in the drying process. There is the possibility that using this method can worsen rather than resolve the problem if the liquid gets trapped between the ear drum and the wax.

  Another home remedy involves mixing a spoonful of vinegar, a spoonful of water and 2 spoonfuls of hydrogen peroxide. Warm the solution to body temperature and use a small dropper to apply drops into the ear. The solution should soften the wax so that is can be safely flushed from the ear. A few drops of baby oil, glycerin or mineral oil can be used to soften hardened wax.

  If you have a history of ear infection or disease you should not use a home earwax removal method. You should seek medical treatment for any ear condition involving pain.