How to Clean Out Your Ear

Although most people try to remove earwax from their ears, if you aren't feeling pain, itching or having trouble hearing, ear wax is likely helping rather than hurting. If your ears feel normal, clean very carefully inside your ears so as not to disturb the ear wax. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are specific steps that you or your doctor must take to safely remove excess earwax, if necessary.

Things You'll Need

• Cotton swab Wet washcloth At-home ear irrigation kit

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Instructions

• 1

  Use cotton swabs carefully to clean the outside of the ear daily. According to Dr. Douglas Hoffman, "Ear swabs are safe if used correctly." Using a dry cotton swab, or one that's dipped in antibacterial soap, gently rub around the folds of your ear. Rinse your ear with a wet washcloth.

• 2

  Gently use cotton swabs to clean at the opening of the ear canal daily. Slowly and gently dab a dry cotton swab at the very opening of your ear canal to remove any excess ear wax. Do not go any deeper than the very outside of the canal.

• 3

  Irrigate with hydrogen peroxide if you experience problems. If you have hearing loss, itching or pain in your ear, you likely have ear wax blockage. You can purchase a home ear irrigation kit at your local drugstore or grocery store. Fill the plunger with hydrogen peroxide, or the solution that comes with the kit. Place your unaffected ear against your shoulder so the affected ear is facing the ceiling. Place the plunger in your ear and depress the syringe. Leave the solution in for about one minute, then turn your head to the opposite side so the solution pours into the sink.

• 4

  See a doctor. Most doctors will irrigate your ear with a syringe filled with warm water to loosen the wax, then clean out the ear with a curette. Curettes can be purchased over-the-counter and online, but according to Dr. Hoffman, "The curette technique can be very effective in skilled hands, but can be painful (and potentially damaging) in less-than-skilled hands." A doctor will remove the blockage and prescribe pain medication if the blockage is severe.