How to Get Rid of Earwax Build Up

Earwax buildup can be frustrating, as the wax can smell or interfere with the ability to hear properly. At the same time, the use of cotton swabs, such as Q-tips, is seen as potentially dangerous, since the swab can lodge the wax deeper in the ear or puncture the eardrum. There are several techniques to rid the ear of earwax that are safe and should help loosen the blockage. Of course, if you suspect that something else other than earwax is in the ear or that your ear is injured, see a doctor.

Things You'll Need

• Medicine dropper
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Cotton
• Almond oil, glycerin, baby oil or mineral oil

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Instructions

How to Get Rid of Ear Wax Build Up

• 1

  Using the medicine dropper, add a few drops of oil into the ear canal. Rub the flap just outside the ear to help the oil sink into the ear canal. Repeat this twice a day for up to a week. The oil softens the wax.

• 2

  Using the medicine dropper, fill the ear canal with hydrogen peroxide. Lie on your back for 10 minutes to an hour to allow the hydrogen peroxide to loosen the wax. Do not be alarmed by the bubbling sound caused by the hydrogen peroxide. Rub the flap of the ear gently to make sure the hydrogen peroxide is in the ear canal.

• 3

  Drain the hydrogen peroxide from the ear by tipping the head to one side. A cotton ball can be used to collect the hydrogen peroxide.

• 4

  Use the medicine dropper to fill the ear canal with warm water. Hold the outer ear up and back to straighten out the canal. After irrigating, tip the head to one side and allow the water to drain out. Use a cotton ball to collect the water that drains.

• 5

  Dry the outer ear with a towel or blow dryer.

• 6

  Repeat the process of softening and irrigation until the earwax falls out.