Cleaning the Inner Ear

The inner ear is the sensitive area located in the innermost part of your ear canal that controls nerves and regulates balance, and is susceptible to swelling caused by blockage. Problems associated with the inner ear are often due to tinnitus, a ringing sensation due to earwax blockage or exposure to loud noises, according to the Mayo Clinic. Inner ears require careful cleaning; the ear is sensitive to foreign objects and temporary hearing loss may occur if it is carelessly cleaned.

Things You'll Need

• Eye dropper
• Mineral oil
• Rubber-syringe bulb
• Towel

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash the dispensing end of the eyedropper with hot, soapy water to disinfect the tool prior to using it.

• 2

  Dip the eyedropper into the mineral oil, and pinch the rubber end of the eyedropper to pick up the oil.

• 3

  Tilt your head to the side, and gently squeeze the rubber end of the eyedropper to dispense a few drops of the oil into your ear. Keep your head to the side for a few minutes to allow the mineral oil to travel through your middle ear and to your inner ear.

• 4

  Place drops in your ears twice a day to soften the earwax buildup, and fill a clean, rubber-bulb syringe with warm water.

• 5

  Turn your head to the side with the affected ear facing up, and pull your ear lobe to straighten out your ear canal. Squeeze the rubber-bulb syringe to irrigate the ear, and tilt your head to the other side with your affected ear facing down to drain the water out.

• 6

  Pat the outer area of your ear dry with a towel to remove mineral oil and water.