How To Remove Ear Wax Correctly: This Is How It Works!

Cotton swabs are only suitable for the outer area of the ear. However, you should not use this to remove wax, as it can cause injuries and it often pushes the cerumen deeper into the ear canal.

If too much wax builds up in the ears, it can affect hearing. But it is particularly important to properly remove the cerumen – as ear wax is known in technical terms – so as not to damage your hearing. Ear wax accumulates in the ear for a variety of reasons, which can be the case at any age. Find out more about this topic today.

What is ear wax or cerumen?

Cerumen is a greasy secretion from the wax glands that protects the hearing from bacteria and other foreign substances in order to prevent possible diseases or problems. The wax also has the job of moisturizing the skin in the ear canal and removing dead skin cells. But often too much of it accumulates, which can also lead to discomfort.

For example, it can lead to irritation, an uncomfortable feeling, dizziness, itching or even partial loss of hearing.

Ear wax buildup: causes and consequences

Cotton swabs are not designed to remove wax from your ears. They can cause damage and push the cerumen deeper into the ear canal.

It is important to identify the causes of the discomfort and the buildup of this discharge. Because the ear wax can cause irritation as it clogs the ear canal. In some cases, this is because of the use of cotton swabs to push the cerumen deeper into the ear canal instead of clearing it.

Injury can also be caused by other sharp objects that some people put in the ear to remove the cerumen. Like cotton swabs, these carry the secretion further into the ear and lead to constipation. Incidentally, people with a hearing aid or who often use earplugs are at greater risk of excessive wax buildup.

Symptoms

If too much cerumen builds up in the ear canal, the following symptoms can occur:

Itching in the ear canal
Numb feeling that can become permanent if the ear canal closes completely
dizziness
tinnitus
Secretion leaks out of the ear canal
Decreased hearing
Earache

How can you properly remove wax without damaging your hearing?

1. Saline solution

Saline solution is an excellent way to remove excess ear wax.

Mix one teaspoon of salt (7.5 g) with half a cup of water (125 ml) until the salt dissolves. You can also buy a saline solution from the pharmacy.
Then use it to moisten a piece of cotton wool and, with your head bent slightly upwards, drip a few drops of the solution into your ear.
Remain in this position for a few minutes to allow the saline solution to enter your ear, and then tilt your head to the other side to remove it from your ear.

2. Oil mixtures against earwax

Also, a very safe means are special oil mixtures that are sold in pharmacies for cleaning the ear canals. These dissolve the cerumen and make it easier to remove.

Put a few drops in your ear and wait five minutes, motionless, for the oil to work.
After two days, repeat this procedure to effectively remove the wax.
The final step is to clean the ear with lukewarm water to remove any residue.

3. hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide facilitates the dissolution of the ear wax and thus the cleaning of the ear canals.

Mix equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide. Use hydrogen peroxide at a concentration that does not exceed 3 percent. You can also find special products in the pharmacy.

Put a few drops of the mixture in your ear and tilt your head to one side to let the liquid work.
After a few minutes, bend your head on the other side to remove the hydrogen peroxide mixture.

4. Glycerin to remove cerumen

Glycerin softens the earwax and makes it easier to remove. You can get it from the pharmacy.

Put four drops in your ear three times a day for best results.

5. Olive oil for ear wax

Ear wax can be removed with oils such as olive oil.

Olive oil is another natural remedy that can be used to efficiently get rid of cerumen. Because this makes this secretion softer and can subsequently be removed more easily.

Put two to three drops of olive oil in your ear before you go to sleep and let it work overnight.
Repeat this treatment for three to four days.

These natural remedies can effectively and gently help you with an excessive accumulation of cerumen. However, if you cannot get rid of the wax completely, it is advisable to see a doctor who will use a special solution to remove it.

Don’t forget: do not put cotton swabs or other pointed objects in your ears! This creates a risk of injury and you also only push the ear wax deeper into the ear canal.