How to Drain Earwax

Earwax (cerumen) is the body's natural way of protecting the ear from water and infections. In fact, the ear is self-cleaning, which means that under normal circumstances, you should do nothing to aid in the cleaning of the ear. According to Dr. Melissa Stöppler, assistant professor of pathology in the Georgetown University School of Medicine, "Old earwax is constantly being transported from the deeper areas of the ear canal out to the opening where it usually dries, flakes and falls out." If you are experiencing a buildup of excessive earwax, however, you can easily drain it with the help of over-the-counter oils or drops.

Things You'll Need

• Baby or mineral oil
• Clean cloth
• Ear drops
• Medicine dropper

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Instructions

• 1

  Warm a small amount of baby oil or mineral oil on the stove or in the microwave. Touch it with the tip of your finger. It should not hurt, but feel warm to the touch. When the oil is warmed, collect it in a small medicine dropper.

• 2

  Lay on a soft surface on your side with the opening of one ear facing the ceiling.

• 3

  Gently squeeze two or three drops of the oil into your ear canal. Stay still and wait 10 seconds before sitting up.

• 4

  Immediately lay on the opposite side with the ear that you just dropped oil into to face downward. Allow the oil to drain out of the ear for a minute. Because the melted earwax will be draining out of the ear, you may want to place a cloth under the ear as it drains as not to drip earwax on the surface of your bed or pillow.

• 5

  Repeat the steps for the opposite ear if needed.