How to Remove Ear Wax Build-Up

An earwax clog can be uncomfortable and affect your ability to hear properly. Everyone has earwax, which protects the inner ear from dirt and debris. Why some people have thicker earwax than others' is dependent upon genetics. Earwax usually works its way out of your ear without any problem. But occasionally, earwax can build-up or overproduce, causing a clog that needs to be removed.

Things You'll Need

• Eye dropper
• Glycerin
• Rubber bulb syringe
• Clean towel
• Cotton swabs
• Rubbing alcohol

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Instructions

• 1

  Insert only the tip of the eyedropper into your outer ear.

  Fill an eyedropper halfway with glycerin. Drop three drops of glycerin into the ear affected by earwax build-up. Repeat this procedure for a total of three to four days, twice each day.

• 2

  Tilt your head so the affected ear is facing upwards. Stay in that position for a few minutes so the glycerin has a chance to drain down to the earwax build-up and help soften it.

• 3

  Draw warm water into a rubber bulb syringe after you've used the glycerin drops for a few days. Slowly squirt a few drops of warm water into the ear to help break up and dislodge the ear wax softened by the glycerin drops. Tilt your head upwards so the water can drain down into your ear canal for two to three minutes.

• 4

  Move your head so that the earwax-clogged ear faces the floor. Stay in that position for three or four minutes so the water can drain out of your ear. Wipe your ear with a clean towel as the water drains out.

• 5

  Cotton swabs are meant for the outer ear only.

  Wipe away bits and pieces of earwax from your outer ear as they loosen and work their way out of your ear. Use cotton swabs to remove the earwax.

• 6

  Place one or two drops of rubbing alcohol into the ear where the ear wax was removed. The alcohol will dry the inside of your ear after using the oil and water. Let the rubbing alcohol drip down your ear, then back out.