How to Remove Earwax Build Up

Earwax has several functions. It keeps the ear dry and protects it by trapping bacteria and harmful particles. When excessive earwax builds up, however, it can impair your hearing and cause discomfort. Many people control earwax by using cotton swabs, but this method can cause serious problems. In most cases, you can control earwax with oil and water.

Things You'll Need

• Baby oil or olive oil
• Syringe
• Eye dropper
• Towel

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Instructions

• 1

  Fill a syringe with body-temperature water.

• 2

  Hold your head upright and straighten your ear canal by holding the outside of your ear and pulling up.

• 3

  Gently push the syringe's plunger to direct a stream of water against your ear canal wall, next to the wax.

• 4

  Lie down on a towel with the affected ear down to allow the water to drain.

• 5

  Maintain your ear by putting a few drops of clean baby oil or olive oil into your ear once a day. Let the oil sit for a few minutes, then lie down on a towel to allow it to drain.

• 6

  See a doctor to have your ear professionally cleaned if you continue to have problems with earwax.