How To Stop Ear Wax Build-Up

An integral part of the body's natural defense mechanism, ear wax traps debris and harmful bacteria from entering the ear canal. Ear wax build up occurs when wax, medically known as cerumen, accumulates enough to prevent natural removal by the body. Excessive use of cotton swabs and increased production of cerumen can cause blockage. Commonly referred to as stoppage, blockage or impacted ear wax, symptoms include ear ache, decreased hearing and a feeling of fullness within the infected ear.

Instructions

• 1

  Soften the ear wax with over the counter ear drops. Apply as directed on the package, usually one or two drops per ear a few times a day. The drops help soften the wax to help the body naturally flush it out, as impacted wax remains hard and immobile.

• 2

  Drain your ear with hydrogen peroxide. Tilt your head to the side and slowly pour a few drops of peroxide into the affected ear. The peroxide produces a faint popping sound in your ear. Lay with your head tilted to avoid spills until the popping ceases. Tilt your head to the opposite side and drain the hydrogen peroxide into a tissue at your ear. This drains some of the wax into the tissue and softens the rest in the ear for natural removal.

• 3

  Visit a doctor to flush out the ear. The doctor fills a large syringe with warm water to shoot into the infected ear. The speed, water temperature and liquid forces the hard wax out of the ear. You may feel a slight pain from the pressure.

• 4

  Perform an ear flush at home. Rather than visiting a doctor's office, flush your impacted wax out at home. Purchase a syringe, available at your local pharmacy or health store, and fill with warm water. Tilt your head toward the affected ear and place the tip of the syringe at the opening of the ear canal. Squeeze the bulbous end of the syringe to immerse the canal in water.

• 5

  Scrape out the excessive wax at the doctor's office. Do not attempt to perform this yourself. Using a curved tool known as a curette, a doctor may scoop out excessive wax.