How to Remove Dry Ear Wax

Ear wax is produced in the inner ear, and is the body's way of protecting against exterior infections that could potentially enter through the ear. Although the wax is useful, too much wax in the inner ear can cause blockage, which reduces hearing. In this case, you may need to remove the excess wax. As with all medical procedures, especially ones that involve a sensitive body part such as the inner ear, extreme caution should be exercised when removing ear wax.

Things You'll Need

• Ear canal irrigation device
• Eye dropper
• Rubbing alcohol

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Instructions

• 1

  Purchase an ear canal irrigation device from a local drug store. This is a bulbous syringe that you can fill with a solution (or tap water).

• 2

  Warm some tap water to body temperature (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit) and siphon it into the syringe.

• 3

  Hold the syringe with one hand and use the other to pull the ear back slightly to expose the ear canal.

• 4

  Insert the syringe into the ear and gently compress the bulb, forcing the warm water into the ear. Perform this step bending over a sink.

• 5

  Allow the liquid to drain out of the ear by tilting the ear toward the sink.

• 6

  Dry the ear by filling an eye dropper with rubbing alcohol and squeezing it into the ear. Allow it to drain by tilting the head over the sink, in the same manner as you drained the water.