To clean ear wax safely, the recommended methods include:
- Using over-the-counter drops containing hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide, or oils like mineral oil or baby oil to soften the wax. Put a few drops in the ear and wait for the bubbling or fizzing to stop, then wipe away excess liquid from the outer ear. Repeat on the other ear if needed.
- After softening the wax, gently flush the ear canal with warm water or a saline solution using a rubber bulb syringe. This can help rinse out loosened wax. Make sure the water is close to body temperature to avoid dizziness.
- Clean only the outer part of the ear with a soft cloth; avoid inserting cotton swabs or other objects inside the ear canal as they can push wax deeper, cause injury, or infection.
- If wax blockage persists or causes pain, dizziness, or hearing loss, seek professional removal by a healthcare provider who can safely use instruments like curettes or suction.
Hydrogen peroxide is widely used and effective, but it should never be concentrated or used if there is an ear infection, eardrum perforation, or recent ear surgery without medical advice. Ear candling and cotton swabs inside the ear canal are not recommended due to safety risks and ineffectiveness. In summary, the safest at-home earwax cleaning involves softening drops, gentle rinsing with warm water, and outer ear cleaning without inserting anything into the ear canal. Professional help is advised if problems occur or wax is impacted.
