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The Best Solutions for Earwax Buildup

Earwax, or cerumen, can build up in excess and cause problems with the ear. When earwax builds up and does not flush from the ear naturally, it may be necessary to use an earwax removal product. Your doctor may choose to remove earwax in his office with a special medical tool called a curette or with vacuum suction. He may also suggest you try an earwax removal method or product on your own.

  1. Carbamide Peroxide

    • Purchase over-the-counter drops made of carbamide peroxide. Generally, it is best to use these drops under the advice of a physician because they can cause irritation, and they may be harmful if you have an existing ear problem. To use the drops, tilt your head so that the affected ear is pointed upward. Gently drip the prescribed amount of carbamide peroxide into the ear. For adults, gently pull the earlobe up and back to straighten the ear canal. For children, gently pull the earlobe down and back. Generally, earwax drops will be used for four days consecutively before the earwax can be flushed out with a bulb syringe and warm water. To flush with a bulb syringe, tilt your head over a sink or basin and gently pull the earlobe to straighten the ear canal while squeezing the warm water into your ear with the bulb.

    Oil

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, you can also soften earwax buildup with mineral or baby oil. Administer four to five drops of oil twice daily for four to five days to soften the wax. The wax will either naturally expel itself, or it will be more easily flushed with a bulb syringe and warm water.

    Glycerin

    • Glycerin drops can also be used to soften earwax. Purchase drops made with glycerin over the counter. Put two to three drops of glycerin ear drops in the ear twice daily for up to four days. The softened wax will either naturally expel itself or be more easily flushed with a bulb syringe and warm water.

    Saline and Water

    • Earwax buildup can often be flushed without softening the wax. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, flushing the ear with warm saline water alone can clean wax buildup out of ears. To flush the ear with saline water, tilt your head over the sink and use a bulb syringe to squeeze water into the ear. The water should immediately drain out, and wax will flush out with the water. You may need to repeat this process several times before the wax is soft enough to become dislodged by the flushing.

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