How to Get Wax Buildup Out of Your Ear

The ear canal naturally produces cerumen, more commonly called earwax. Earwax functions as a protective barrier preventing dust and other foreign particles from entering the ear and causing infection or damage. The warm water of a daily shower provides sufficient cleaning of the ear canal. Drying the ear should only require wiping the outer ear with a towel or wash cloth. According to University of Alabama Birmingham, excessive earwax buildup is the leading cause of temporary hearing loss. However, earwax should never be removed by mechanical means. Softening the earwax with mineral oil for several days and a warm shower should be sufficient to remove earwax build up.

Things You'll Need

• Mineral oil with dropper
• Helper
• Towel
• Shower

Show More

Instructions

Removing Earwax Buildup

• 1

  Make an appointment with your physician if you have experienced sudden hearing loss. Your doctor will determine if the cause is excessive wax build up in your ear or something more serious. If the physician determines your condition is not serious, continue with the home remedy.

• 2

  Place a tablespoon of mineral oil in a small bowl.

• 3

  Use a microwave to warm the mineral oil to body temperature. Cold or hot liquids applied inside the ear can cause pain or dizziness. Warm the oil in 5 second intervals and test on the inside of your wrist before applying to the ear.

• 4

  Lie down with the effected ear upward.

• 5

  Hold the middle of your ear and gently pull toward the back of your head and slightly outward. This will help to open the ear canal and allow the oil to travel freely.

• 6

  Use the dropper that came with the mineral oil to place 2 to 3 drops of mineral oil. You may need help with this step as pulling your ear and applying drops can be complicated.

• 7

  Release the ear and gently massage behind the ear to help move the oil down the ear canal.

• 8

  Allow the mineral oil to set for 5 minutes.

• 9

  Throw away left over mineral oil. Do not reuse the oil or pour it back into the bottle to reduce the chances of introducing bacteria or other foreign matter into the ear canal.

• 10

  Repeat once a day for 5 days.

• 11

  Allow warm water from the shower to flow into the affected ear. When you turn your head to empty your ear, the softened earwax should flow out. You may need to repeat this step a few times to clear the ear completely.

• 12

  Wipe the affected ear with a wash cloth.

• 13

  Dry the ear canal using a hair dryer set on low and held at least three inches from your ear. If the outside of your ear starts to burn, you are holding it too close. Pulling on your ear as in Step 5 will help the air circulate better.