Removing Impacted Earwax

Impacted earwax is a medical condition that happens when earwax from the outer ear gets pushed into the inner ear canal and lodges there. This often happens from regular cotton swab cleaning. Impacted earwax can cause ear pain, hearing impairment, dizziness, tinnitus and vertigo. Removing impacted earwax can be performed simply at home using common household products, as well as over-the-counter medications. These products soften the impacted earwax, allowing it to be safely washed out of the ear.

Things You'll Need

• Baby oil, olive oil, Debrox or Murine Ear Drops
• Eye dropper
• Microwave
• Washcloth or towel
• Rubber ear syringe

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Instructions

• 1

  Prepare the softening agent. If you are using baby or olive oil place a few teaspoons in a microwave-safe dish and heat for approximately five seconds. The oil should be warm, but not hot. If you are using Debrox or Murine Ear Drops there is no need to warm the fluid.

• 2

  Fill the eye dropper with a small amount of the softening agent. Apply 2 to 3 drops directly into the ear.

• 3

  Allow the softening agent to sit in ear canal for about five minutes. Keep head upright to prevent spillage.

• 4

  Place a washcloth or towel over a pillow and then place your head down with impacted ear against the pillow. Lie like this for up to half an hour, allowing the oil and impacted wax to come out of the ear.

• 5

  Fill the rubber ear syringe with warm water. Squirt a small amount into the ear. Allow to sit for a few seconds.

• 6

  Place ear against towel and tilt head down to allow water to drain from the ear.