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Home Remedies for Removing Ear Wax

Earwax (cerumen) protects the ears from dirt and bacteria. Normally it drains from the ears without assistance. In some instances, earwax accumulates in the ear and does not drain on its own, usually because the wax is too hard. If your ears feel blocked due to earwax buildup, you can use home remedies to remove the wax. See your doctor if home remedies do not work within four days. Do not use home remedies and instead see your doctor if you have ear tubes, a ruptured eardrum, are in extreme pain or are unsure if earwax accumulation is the problem.

  1. Soften Earwax

    • Soften earwax by applying a few drops of olive oil or mineral oil into your ears, using an ear dropper. Apply the oil into your ears twice a day, for up to four days. The oil softens hardened earwax so that it can naturally drain from the ear canal. Alternatively, you can use hydrogen peroxide in place of the oil, which also softens hardened earwax.

    Irrigate Ears

    • Sometimes softened earwax needs a little help getting out of your ears. After you have used oil or hydrogen peroxide for a few days, you can irrigate your ears to remove the earwax. To irrigate your ears, fill an ear bulb syringe with lukewarm water. Tilt your head to the side and gently squeeze the bulb syringe to release the water into your ear. Tilt your head to the other side, to allow the ear wax and water to drain from your ear. Repeat the process with your other ear.

      After you have flushed the earwax out of your ears, you need to dry your ears to prevent bacterial growth, which could lead to a bacterial infection. Rub the inside of your ears using a clean towel. Insert the towel only into the outer ear, not down into your ear canal. Do not insert cotton swabs or any other object into your ears. You can dry your ears further by pointing a hairdryer set on the lowest setting toward your ears.

    Omega-3 Fatty Acids

    • Take omega-3 fatty acid supplements or eat foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. According to Nutritional Healing, a natural health clinic in Australia, an omega-3 deficiency can cause earwax to be stickier than normal, making it hard for the wax to drain from the ear, which leads to a buildup of earwax. If you choose to take supplements, refer to the supplement label for the recommended dosage. Some foods that contain good amounts of omega-3 are flax seeds, tofu, walnuts, tuna and salmon.

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