Natural Methods for Removing Ear Wax

Impacted wax in the ear can trap bacteria and allow it to cause infections and hearing loss. In spite of the dangers of earwax, its natural occurrence in the ear plays an important role in keeping the ear healthy and lubricated. Because of the positive and negative effects that earwax has and the delicate nature of the ear, the removal of wax should be approached with knowledge and safe methods.

Soften and Irrigate

• The safest natural method for removing earwax is provided by the Mayo Clinic. The process involves softening the wax by placing a few drops of mineral oil, hydrogen peroxide or glycerin (all available at the local drug store) in the ear every day for up to four days. The softened wax is then easy to remove using a process called irrigation. Irrigation involves using a rubber bulb syringe (also found at the local drug store) to squeeze warm water into each ear canal. A tilt of the head allows the water to drain out of the ear once the irrigation is complete. The softening and irrigation process may need to be repeated several times to finally loosen the blockage.

Eliminate the Cause

• The authors of The Natural Remedy Bible, John Lust and Michael Tierra, suggest that wax buildup occurs because of diet. According to Lust and Tierra, earwax will dislodge on its own through the chewing process. Excess buildup occurs when the body makes more than the chewing process can take care of. It is suggested that rich, overly refined foods cause the wax to accumulate so quickly that the body cannot eliminate it. The idea of eating a more wholesome diet that includes a high quantity of whole grains and fewer rich and processed foods can help slow down the wax-making process. The extra chewing required of such a diet will help eliminate the wax naturally.

What Not to Do

• Do not attempt to dig out the earwax with swabs or hairpins. These items can damage the ear canal and impact the ear further by pushing the wax deeper into the ear. If the wax is not removed using the previous suggestions, an appointment with a family doctor to have the wax removed is recommended.

  The Mayo Clinic says that the use of ear candling should be avoided. The process involves using a cone-shaped candle that is heated and placed inside the ear canal to create a vacuum that is supposed to pull the wax out of the ear. There is no research supporting this theory. The process can burn and harm the ear and ear canal and cause further obstruction.