How to Get Rid of Earwax: 7 Simple Home Remedies

Earwax is a natural substance produced by the body to protect the ear canal and eardrum. However, too much earwax can lead to a variety of problems, including hearing loss, dizziness, and pain.

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If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions. If your doctor determines that the problem is simply due to excess earwax, there are a number of home remedies you can try to get rid of it.

Home Remedies for Earwax

Warm water irrigation. This is the most common and effective way to remove earwax at home. To do this, fill a syringe with warm water and gently squirt it into your ear. Be careful not to use too much force, as this could damage your eardrum.
Hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is a mild antiseptic that can help to dissolve earwax. To use it, mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and warm water and drop it into your ear. Let it sit for a few minutes, then tilt your head to the side to allow the solution to drain out.
Olive oil. Olive oil is a natural lubricant that can help to soften earwax. To use it, warm up a few drops of olive oil and drop it into your ear. Let it sit for a few minutes, then tilt your head to the side to allow the oil to drain out.
Baking soda. Baking soda is a mild alkaline that can help to neutralize the acids in earwax. To use it, mix a teaspoon of baking soda with a cup of warm water and drop it into your ear. Let it sit for a few minutes, then tilt your head to the side to allow the solution to drain out.
Garlic oil. Garlic oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to treat earwax. To use it, mix a few drops of garlic oil with a carrier oil, such as olive oil or coconut oil. Then, drop the mixture into your ear and let it sit for a few minutes. Tilt your head to the side to allow the solution to drain out.
Tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic and antifungal that can help to treat earwax. To use it, mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil, such as olive oil or coconut oil. Then, drop the mixture into your ear and let it sit for a few minutes. Tilt your head to the side to allow the solution to drain out.
Over-the-counter earwax removal kits. There are a number of over-the-counter earwax removal kits available that can help to remove earwax. These kits typically contain a solution that is applied to the ear and a bulb syringe that is used to flush out the earwax.

How to Prevent Earwax Buildup

There are a number of things you can do to prevent earwax buildup, including:

Clean your ears regularly. You should clean your ears once or twice a week with a cotton swab or a washcloth. Be careful not to insert the cotton swab too far into your ear, as this could damage your eardrum.
Avoid using cotton swabs to remove earwax. Cotton swabs can actually push earwax further into your ear canal, which can lead to a buildup.
Use earplugs when swimming or showering. This will help to keep water out of your ears, which can help to prevent earwax buildup.
See a doctor if you have any symptoms of earwax buildup. If you’re experiencing any symptoms of earwax buildup, such as hearing loss, dizziness, or pain, it’s important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When it comes to getting rid of earwax, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:

how to get rid of earwax

Don’t use sharp objects to remove earwax. This could damage your eardrum.
Don’t use ear candles. Ear candles are not effective at removing earwax and can actually be dangerous.
Don’t use irrigation if you have a perforated eardrum. This could damage your eardrum further.

FAQs

What is earwax? Earwax is a natural substance produced by the body to protect the ear canal and eardrum.
What are the symptoms of earwax buildup? Symptoms of earwax buildup can include hearing loss, dizziness, pain, and tinnitus.
How can I prevent earwax buildup? You can prevent earwax buildup by cleaning your ears regularly, avoiding using cotton swabs to remove earwax, using earplugs when swimming or showering, and seeing a doctor if you have any symptoms of earwax buildup.
What are some home remedies for earwax? Home remedies for earwax include warm water irrigation, hydrogen peroxide, olive oil, baking soda, garlic oil, tea tree oil, and over-the-counter earwax removal kits.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when getting rid of earwax? Common mistakes to avoid when getting rid of earwax include using sharp objects to remove earwax, using ear candles, and using irrigation if you have a perforated eardrum.
When should I see a doctor about earwax? You should see a doctor about earwax if you’re experiencing any symptoms of earwax buildup, such as hearing loss, dizziness, or pain.