How to Remove Trapped Wax

Earwax plays an important role in our body's natural defense against illness. The wax is produced in the outer-ear canal and is used both to moisturize the skin and to trap microorganisms that can cause ear infections. While earwax is necessary for a healthy ear, too much of anything can be a bad thing. Earwax is no exception. The ear can produce so much wax that it becomes stuck in the ear. Removing trapped wax should be done delicately to prevent ear damage.

Things You'll Need

• Bulb syringe
• Mineral oil
• Carbamide peroxide
• Baby oil

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Fill a bulb syringe with warm water or warm mineral oil and gently use it to flush out your ears. The warm water or warm mineral oil can help trapped wax to melt so it can then drain naturally as you empty the water out of your ear. For best results, keep the water or oil in the ear for five minutes before draining it.

• 2

  Fill the ear with over-the-counter carbamide peroxide, which is often used to break up trapped earwax. Follow all instructions on the packaging for best results.

• 3

  Place a drop of baby oil into your ear every few days to soften hardened wax and make it more pliable for irrigation removal.