Before we explore the best home remedies for cleaning ears, let’s talk a little about ear wax. Once we understand how the buildup of ear wax occurs, then the natural solutions available will make a lot more sense. Better to feel convinced of the logic behind the remedies, rather than just blindly follow them.
Ear wax, or if you prefer its scientific name, cerumen, is a sticky substance that’s produced by the glands in order to keep the ear protected from bacteria and other external agents, while at the same time, acting as a lubricant for the ear and the ear canal. It’s made up of 20 to 50 percent fat and coats the ear canal in order to moisturize it, prevent infection, and help keep dirt, dust and other types of debris from getting deep inside it.
Once ear wax has served its purpose, eventually it will migrate from the ear canal to the opening of the ear, where it typically dries up and falls out. Although the exact reason is unknown, some people tend to produce more ear wax than others, and in some cases, excessive ear wax can accumulate in the ear canal, leading to blockages. Several issues can occur when you end up with too much dried up wax in your ears.
For example, too much wax will impair your hearing. It can also lead to itchiness, pain (ear ache), or a constant ringing or squealing sound in the ears known as Tinnitus. So excessive wax in the ears is something that you shouldn’t ignore.
The reason why ear wax doesn’t usually fall off on its own, is because it hardens inside the ear canal. Soft wax falls off automatically. Therefore, almost all the home remedies for cleaning ears that we’re about to discuss, emphasize ingredients that soften the ear wax, making it easier to extract from your ear.
It may surprise you to learn that, trying to clean your ears or remove the wax by using cotton swabs or other items is the leading cause of wax blockage. While you may manage to get some of the cerumen off, there is also the danger that you may be pushing the wax deeper into the auditory canal. Once ear wax enters the deeper parts of the ear canal, removing it becomes difficult and eventually results in wax blockage if you continue poking and prodding into your ear.
While excessive ear wax may be irritating, the good news is that there are some easy and convenient home remedies for cleaning ears.
So let’s get into it.
Use These Home Remedies for Cleaning Ears
Please Note: Follow these remedies very carefully or else the wax impaction may worsen. If the symptoms persist even after trying the home remedies a few times, make sure you consult your doctor. Do not try to self-treat your condition if you have a hole or a tube in your eardrum.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is used for a wide variety of purposes, but it can also be effective for getting rid of ear wax that’s stuck in the ear. Also known as hydrogen dioxide, this common household item found in many medicine cabinets is typically used to clean a wound.
A natural substance, it’s produced as a by-product from many different cells in the body, however, enzymes like catalase metabolize it, breaking it down to water and oxygen which prevents the formation of harmful free radicals. This effervescent property is what can make it so effective for breaking down stuck particles like ear wax.
Here’s what to do:– Mix equal parts of water hydrogen peroxide and water. Make sure that the hydrogen peroxide is not above 3{eef26fc93b61ddb9bfec17769e72a868f3f5221ee68d5e1e0793f6670a3680df}; otherwise, it may be harmful. Pour a few drops of it into the ear by tilting your head sideways. Let it settle down in the ear for some time.
Now, tilt your head towards the opposite side and let the extra solution drain out. This is an effective ear wax removal solution.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains MCFA which is a form of fatty acid that can help dissolve any excess wax found inside the ear. An additional feature of coconut oil is, that it has anti-microbial properties, which prevents your ear from becoming infected.
Place clean coconut oil on a dropper.Place about three drops of coconut oil on the affected ear.Wait for about 10 minutes. Flush warm water inside the ear to cleanse the oil. Wipe off the excess liquid and oil with a clean cloth.
Vinegar and Rubbing Alcohol
An age-old remedy to remove excess wax from your ear is a vinegar and rubbing alcohol solution. The mixture will help dissolve the earwax. Plus, the alcohol will serve as a drying agent and evaporate at a low temperature and the vinegar will fight bacteria and fungi, and hence prevent any kind of ear infection. This remedy can also be used to treat swimmer’s ear.
Mix equal parts of white vinegar and rubbing alcohol in a bowl or mug. Pour few drops into the ear clogged with ear wax. This solution greatly helps in getting rid of the ear wax, which can be irritating sometimes.
Flushing
Flushing your ear with warm water will also help get rid of excess earwax. The gentle force of the water will dislodge the wax, making it easier to remove. Be sure to use only clean and filtered water.
Olive Oil
Another simple way to remove excess earwax is olive oil. Olive oil can soften the wax, making it easier to come out of the ear. Also, its antiseptic properties will reduce the risk of ear infection.
Slightly warm some olive oil. Using a dropper, put three or four drops of the warm oil into the affected ear. Allow it to settle for 10 minutes so that the earwax becomes soft. Tilt your head sideways and remove the oil and wax with ear buds. Alternatively, you can also use mustard oil.
Salt Water
Inexpensive and easy to lay your hands on, salt water is one of the best home remedies for cleaning ears that you can rely on.
Here’s What to Do:- Mix 1 teaspoon of salt in around ½ cup of warm water until it completely dissolves. Next, soak a cotton ball in the solution and squeeze few drops of it into the ear by slightly tilting your head upwards. Remain in this position for some time so that the salty water properly gets inside the ear. Then tilt your head in the opposite direction in order to drain out the solution from the ear.
Concluding Thoughts
With the information offered here, not only will you be able to determine if you’re suffering from ear wax blockage, but also have the knowledge you need to deal with the situation effectively.
That being said, remember that earwax blockages vary from one individual to the next. Some blockages can be easily treated with home remedy solutions while others require specialized treatment. So, only use these home remedies for cleaning ears if you’re experiencing mild wax blockage. If you believe it to be more severe, or if you suspect that your eardrums are torn or perforated, then you should seek specialized treatment. Physicians have equipment specially designed to flush out your ears, using a procedure known as ear irrigation, or attend to more serious cases.
