Earwax is normally soft and moist enough to work its way out of the ear canal on its own. However, sometimes earwax can become hard and impacted, blocking the ear canal and causing pain, hearing loss, tinnitus, and other problems. Earwax can also be pushed back into the ear canal when you use cotton swabs, ear candles, or other objects to try to clean your ears.
If you have an earwax blockage, there are a few things you can do at home to try to unclog your ear. These methods are generally safe for adults and children over the age of 12. However, if you have a history of ear problems or if you experience severe pain, hearing loss, or other symptoms, see your doctor before trying any of these methods.
Here are some tips for unclogging your ear with home remedies:
How to Unclog Ear
Here are 8 important points to remember when trying to unclog your ear at home:
- Use warm water.
- Apply a warm compress.
- Use hydrogen peroxide.
- Use olive oil.
- Try garlic oil.
- Use a saline rinse.
- Try over-the-counter earwax removal drops.
- See a doctor if home remedies don't work.
If you have tried these home remedies and your ear is still clogged, see a doctor. They may be able to remove the earwax using a special tool or by irrigating the ear canal with water.
Use warm water.
One of the simplest and most effective ways to unclog your ear is to use warm water. Warm water can help to soften earwax and make it easier to remove.
- Use a dropper to put a few drops of warm water into your ear.
Tilt your head to the side so that the water can flow into your ear canal.
- Let the water sit in your ear for a few minutes.
This will give the water time to soften the earwax.
- Gently rinse your ear with warm water.
Use a syringe or a bulb syringe to rinse your ear with warm water. Be careful not to force the water into your ear.
- Dry your ear thoroughly.
Use a clean towel or a hair dryer on the cool setting to dry your ear.
You can repeat this process several times a day until the earwax is gone. If you have a lot of earwax, you may need to see a doctor to have it removed.
Apply a warm compress.
Applying a warm compress to your ear can help to soften earwax and make it easier to remove. You can use a warm washcloth, a heating pad set on low, or a warm bottle of water wrapped in a towel.
To apply a warm compress to your ear:
- Soak a washcloth in warm water.
Wring out the washcloth so that it is not dripping.
- Place the warm washcloth over your ear.
Hold the warm compress in place for 10-15 minutes.
- Repeat as needed.
You can repeat this process several times a day until the earwax is gone.
You can also use a heating pad or a warm bottle of water wrapped in a towel. Be careful not to apply too much heat to your ear, as this can damage the skin.
Applying a warm compress can also help to relieve pain and inflammation caused by an earwax blockage.
Use hydrogen peroxide.
Hydrogen peroxide is another effective way to soften and remove earwax. It is available over-the-counter at most pharmacies.
- Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and warm water.
Use a dropper to put a few drops of the mixture into your ear.
- Let the mixture sit in your ear for a few minutes.
This will give the hydrogen peroxide time to soften the earwax.
- Rinse your ear with warm water.
Use a syringe or a bulb syringe to rinse your ear with warm water. Be careful not to force the water into your ear.
- Dry your ear thoroughly.
Use a clean towel or a hair dryer on the cool setting to dry your ear.
You can repeat this process several times a day until the earwax is gone. If you have a lot of earwax, you may need to see a doctor to have it removed.
Use olive oil.
Olive oil is a natural earwax softener that can help to remove earwax blockages. It is also safe and gentle, making it a good choice for children and adults.
- Warm up some olive oil.
You can do this by microwaving it for a few seconds or by placing the bottle in a cup of hot water.
- Use a dropper to put a few drops of warm olive oil into your ear.
Tilt your head to the side so that the oil can flow into your ear canal.
- Let the oil sit in your ear for a few minutes.
This will give the oil time to soften the earwax.
- Rinse your ear with warm water.
Use a syringe or a bulb syringe to rinse your ear with warm water. Be careful not to force the water into your ear.
You can repeat this process several times a day until the earwax is gone. If you have a lot of earwax, you may need to see a doctor to have it removed.
Try garlic oil.
Garlic oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help to clear up ear infections and prevent earwax buildup. It is also a natural earwax softener.
- Crush a garlic clove and mix it with a tablespoon of olive oil.
You can also use garlic oil that is available at most health food stores.
- Warm up the garlic oil.
You can do this by microwaving it for a few seconds or by placing the bottle in a cup of hot water.
- Use a dropper to put a few drops of warm garlic oil into your ear.
Tilt your head to the side so that the oil can flow into your ear canal.
- Let the oil sit in your ear for a few minutes.
This will give the oil time to soften the earwax and kill any bacteria or fungus that may be present.
You can repeat this process several times a day until the earwax is gone. If you have a lot of earwax, you may need to see a doctor to have it removed.
Use a saline rinse.
A saline rinse can help to soften earwax and remove debris from the ear canal. You can make a saline rinse at home by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water.
- Use a dropper to put a few drops of the saline rinse into your ear.
Tilt your head to the side so that the rinse can flow into your ear canal.
- Let the rinse sit in your ear for a few minutes.
This will give the rinse time to soften the earwax and dissolve any mucus or crusts.
- Rinse your ear with warm water.
Use a syringe or a bulb syringe to rinse your ear with warm water. Be careful not to force the water into your ear.
- Dry your ear thoroughly.
Use a clean towel or a hair dryer on the cool setting to dry your ear.
You can repeat this process several times a day until the earwax is gone. If you have a lot of earwax, you may need to see a doctor to have it removed.
Try over-the-counter earwax removal drops.
Over-the-counter earwax removal drops can help to soften and remove earwax. These drops are available at most pharmacies.
- Read the instructions on the package carefully before using earwax removal drops.
Some drops need to be used for several days in a row.
- Use the drops as directed on the package.
Typically, you will need to put a few drops of the solution into your ear twice a day for several days.
- After using the drops, lie down on your side for a few minutes.
This will help the drops to stay in your ear and work on the earwax.
- Rinse your ear with warm water after using the drops.
This will help to remove any remaining earwax and debris.
If you have a lot of earwax, you may need to use earwax removal drops for several weeks before the earwax is completely gone. If you have any concerns about using earwax removal drops, talk to your doctor.
See a doctor if home remedies don't work.
If you have tried the home remedies listed above and your ear is still clogged, see a doctor. They may be able to remove the earwax using a special tool or by irrigating the ear canal with water.
- You should also see a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:
Severe ear pain
Hearing loss
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Dizziness
Discharge from the ear
- These symptoms could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, such as an ear infection or a perforated eardrum.
If you have any concerns about your earwax or any other ear problems, talk to your doctor. They can help you determine the best course of treatment.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about how to unclog your ear:
Question 1: How can I tell if my ear is clogged?
Answer 1: Symptoms of a clogged ear can include ear pain, hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear.
Question 2: What are some home remedies for a clogged ear?
Answer 2: Some common home remedies for a clogged ear include using warm water, applying a warm compress, using hydrogen peroxide, using olive oil, trying garlic oil, and using a saline rinse.
Question 3: How often can I use home remedies to unclog my ear?
Answer 3: You can use home remedies several times a day until the earwax is gone. However, if your ear is still clogged after a few days, you should see a doctor.
Question 4: What are some over-the-counter earwax removal drops?
Answer 4: Some common over-the-counter earwax removal drops include Debrox, Murine Ear Wax Removal System, and Auro Ear Drops.
Question 5: When should I see a doctor for a clogged ear?
Answer 5: You should see a doctor if home remedies don't work or if you have severe ear pain, hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness, or discharge from the ear.
Question 6: What can a doctor do to unclog my ear?
Answer 6: A doctor can use a special tool to remove the earwax or irrigate the ear canal with water.
If you have any other questions about how to unclog your ear, talk to your doctor.
Tips
Here are a few tips for preventing and treating clogged ears:
Tip 1: Clean your ears regularly.
Gently clean the outer part of your ears with a warm, damp cloth. Do not insert anything into your ear canal, as this can damage your eardrum.
Tip 2: Avoid using cotton swabs.
Cotton swabs can push earwax deeper into your ear canal, causing a blockage. If you need to clean your ears, use a warm, damp cloth instead.
Tip 3: Use earplugs when swimming or showering.
This will help to prevent water from getting into your ears and causing a blockage.
Tip 4: See a doctor if you have frequent ear problems.
If you have frequent ear problems, such as clogged ears, ear infections, or tinnitus, see a doctor. They can help to determine the cause of your problems and recommend the best course of treatment.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your ears healthy and free of blockages.
Conclusion
Earwax is a normal part of the ear's defense system. It helps to protect the ear canal from infection and debris. However, sometimes earwax can build up and cause a blockage. This can lead to pain, hearing loss, and other problems.
If you have a clogged ear, there are a number of home remedies that you can try to unclog it. These remedies include using warm water, applying a warm compress, using hydrogen peroxide, using olive oil, trying garlic oil, and using a saline rinse. You can also try over-the-counter earwax removal drops. However, if home remedies don't work or if you have severe ear pain, hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness, or discharge from the ear, you should see a doctor.
By following the tips in this article, you can help to prevent and treat clogged ears. Remember to clean your ears regularly, avoid using cotton swabs, use earplugs when swimming or showering, and see a doctor if you have frequent ear problems.
With proper care, you can keep your ears healthy and free of blockages.