How To Safely Treat Earwax Buildup

Soften Wax With Olive Oil

Olive oil is known for providing many health benefits. A key ingredient in the Mediterranean diet, olive oil can decrease the risk of heart disease, cancer, and other diseases. It has also been used as a natural remedy for ear pain and ear wax impaction. A few medical studies have been performed to examine the success of trying to soften wax with olive oil.

In 2003, a study was performed in South Yorkshire and Essex, England evaluating the benefits of using olive oil to lubricate the ear canal to prevent or help slough out earwax. Attendees of an ear wax exhibition who were over fifty years old and had occlusive earwax in both ears were selected to use olive oil in one ear every night for twenty-four weeks while providing the usual care of the other ear (the control factor).

Over time, consistent use of olive oil increased the amount of ear wax accumulation. It was ascertained long-term use was not recommended, but spraying olive oil into the ear canal prior to attempting wax removal facilitated complete removal of earwax buildup.

Learn more about removing earwax buildup safely now.

Try Eardrops

In addition to medicated prescription or over-the-counter ear drops, some natural ingredients can be administered by a cotton ball or medicine dropper into the ear to soften and remove ear wax. Some people try eardrops such as hydrogen peroxide, baby oil, mineral oil, or glycerin to soften earwax for effective removal. When administering any kind of eardrops, it is important to keep the head tilted in the direction that will elevate the affected ear for easy access. Apply slight traction in an upward and outward direction on the outer ear lobe and administer the drops to allow them to drip down to the area of wax occlusion. When the drops have had a few minutes to work, the head should be tilted in the opposite direction to allow the fluid and wax to drain out of the ear. If any pain, itching or redness of the ear is apparent, contact a physician before attempting any type of home treatment.