Cerumen or ear wax is not unnatural. It is produced by certain glands preset in the ear canal. The wax is supposed to be protective and is supposed to ensure we don’t get bacterial infections. However, when the buildup is excess, ear wax becomes troubling. These home remedies for ear wax removal will help you get rid of the excess buildup with ease.
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Usually, the ear wax moves from the ear canal to the ear drum and the ear opening. You can then easily remove the wax using a earbud. However, if this migration does not happen, the ear wax and the dead skin cells block the ear opening causing discomfort.
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The accumulation can happen because of use of bobby pins, matchsticks, cotton swabs, Q-tips etc. to remove the ear wax. This is because instead of removing the dirt, these objects further push the wax inside the ear canal. If the buildup is not cleaned, it can cause ear infection and also skin disease. It can also cause harm to the connective tissues in the ear.
The other cause of ear wax buildup is the production of cerumen in less fluid form than what should actually be secreted. The overproduction of cerumen can also result in ear wax buildup. If you are deficient in omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and magnesium also, you run a high risk of developing ear wax buildups.
These natural treatments will help you get rid of the dirt and the dead skin cells without any pain. However, you need to be very careful while performing these treatments. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid ear infection or further worsening of the condition.
If despite using these treatment, you feel that the ears not getting cleaned, then you will have to visit a doctor.
Home remedies for ear wax removal
Here are the top natural treatments that will help you to remove ear wax.
1. Salt Water
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The first remedy on our list is salt water. Salt water works effectively on ear wax, and helps remove it in a jiffy. The solution softens the wax that is clogging your ears, and this in turn, makes getting rid of it easy.
For the remedy, you need to mix half a tablespoon of salt in about half a cup of water. Mix the solution, and once the salt dissolves, you need to dip a cotton ball in it. Place the ball over your ears, and squeeze it gently, allowing about three drops of the water into your ears. Now slowly tilt your ears upwards, and stay that way for 10 seconds. Perform the same treatment for the other ear.
2. Hydrogen Peroxide
The next remedy on our list is hydrogen peroxide which serves as an amazing natural treatment for ear wax removal. The chemical is effervescent in nature, and due to this, it can get rid of both ear wax and the debris present in the ear canal.
For the remedy, you need to mix hydrogen peroxide and water in a ratio of 1:1. Mix the solution and fill a clean ear dropper with it. Now apply the solution to one ear, and stay in that tilted position for at least 7 seconds. Now apply it into the other ear. Using a clean wash cloth, clean the earwax that hisses outside.
3. Baby oil
Another remedy that easily softens the earwax and remove it effectively is baby oil.
For the remedy, you need a clean ear dropper. Add some baby oil in to it, and apply two drops f it to one ear, and remain in the tilted position for a while. Now apply the drops into the other ear. Using a cotton ball you can block the earholes to prevent the oil from oozing out. After several minutes, remove the cotton ball and clean the ear wax with a soft and clean washcloth.
You can also use mineral oil in place of baby oil.
4. Vinegar and Rubbing Alcohol
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This one’s an ancient way of removing earwax. The vinegar and rubbing alcohol solution dissolves the earwax, and since alcohol is a drying agent, which evaporates at low temperatures, while vinegar is anti-bacterial and antiviral, both of these components will help lower the risk of an ear infection.
For the remedy, you need to prepare a solution by mixing white vinegar and rubbing alcohol in the ratio of 1:1. Now, soak a clean cotton ball into this solution. Squeeze the ball above one ear to allow two to three drops of the solution into it. Stay tilted for about 5 minutes. Now tilt your head in the opposite direction. You will see that the solution and the wax will come out following the law of gravity. Repeat the treatment for the other ear.
You can use an ear bud to thoroughly clean the ears.
5. Warm water
Cleaning your ears with warm water will help you remove the earwax. When you flush your ear with warm water, it will dislodge the wax, and this in turn will make its removal easier.
Use filtered water for this treatment.
For the remedy, you will need a rubber-bulb syringe. Fill this syringe with some warm water. The water should be body temperature and not hot. Now slightly tilt your head, and with your hands, straighten the ear canal. Push a small amount of the water through your ears using the syringe. Stay tilted that way for a while, and then repeat the treatment on the other ear. Using a clean cloth, clean the water and the wax that comes out.
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6. Olive oil
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Olive oil helps get rid of ear wax real fast by first softening the wax, and then, making it easy-peasy to remove it. As olive oil is anti-inflammatory as well as antiseptic in nature, it reduces the risk of developing an ear infection.
For the remedy, you need to begin by slightly heating the olive oil. Now let it cool to body temperature. You will need to fill a clean ear dropper with this oil, and then apply about 4 drops of it in each ear. Once the earwax stars coming out, clean with a soft washcloth.
Apart from olive oil, one can also use mustard oil for this treatment.
7. Almond oil
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The next remedy, almond oil, works as a lubricant, softening the extra ear wax and making it easier to remove them. If you have a wax buildup in your ears, then you need to try this therapy.
Begin by filling a clean ear dropper with almond oil. Now apply a few drops of the oil in your ears and keep your head tilted for a while. Allow the oil to soak the wax. Now place a clean white tissue over this ear, and tilt to the other side. You will see how the excess wax comes out with such ease. Repeat the treatment on the other ear. Using a clean washcloth, clean your ears.
8. Baking soda
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Another natural treatment for excess ear wax removal is baking soda. To soften the hardened wax and dirt, you will require a water-based solution of baking soda. To prepare this solution. Mix a quarter of a teaspoon of baking soda with one and a half tablespoons of water. Now pour the solution into the rubber-bulb syringe, and apply it into one ear. Now stay tilted for ten seconds. Apply the solution to the other ear. Once the wax starts coming out, clean your ears using a clean washcloth.
Additional tips for excess ear wax removal
Here are some extra tips to help you get rid of the hardened ear wax.
- While removing the wax, do not use objects that are pointed. These might prick inner ear membranes, causing ear infection.
- Do not insert ear buds into the ear canal. It should be used to clean the outer ear alone as the infection might get aggravated.
- Do not insert candle ear wax remover. This will cause a burn in your ears. The condition might get worse.
- To flush out the excess ear wax you can use warm water, but not cold water. Cold water can cause dizziness and numbness.
- Never force water into your ears. This might damage your ear drums and the membranes inside your ear.
- Do not put hot oil inside your ears. This can cause the skin to burn.
- To remove the excess ear wax buildup, do not use Q-tips. Very few know this, but the tips further push the wax into the canal.
- You don’t need to clean your ears too often.
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That is all we have on today’s post on home remedies for ear wax removal. Was this helpful? Will you be recommending it to others too? If you have some remedies that you would like to share with us, then please do so in the comment section below.
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