DIY Ear Cleaning Solutions: What Works and What to Avoid

Taking care of your ears is so important for your auditory health. You already know that listening to music too loud and that you should wear protection if you’re in a noisy environment, but how else can you care for your ears? Regular ear cleaning is a big part of caring for your ears, but it’s important to know how to clean them safely and effectively. So, what do-it-yourself (DIY) ear cleaning solutions should you try, and which ones should you avoid?

The ear is actually quite a wonderful thing! It is a self-cleaning mechanism that helps keep earwax at bay but sometimes wax can build up which leads to discomfort or hearing loss.

Safe DIY Ear Cleaning Solutions

One of the safest ways to clean your ears is with a warm water rinse. You can use a bulb syringe or an ear irrigation kit to gently flush warm water into the ear canal. This helps the wax to soften and can sometimes help dislodge impacted wax, which your ear will then naturally expel.

Over-the-counter eardrops are a safe and effective DIY method for removing earwax buildup. These drops typically contain ingredients like hydrogen peroxide or saline solution, which help soften the wax, making it easier to remove. Simply follow the instructions on the product packaging for proper application and consult with an audiologist if you have any concerns or experience discomfort.

If you’d rather stick to more natural techniques, olive oil is a fantastic solution to soften earwax. It’s best to warm the oil to a natural body temperature and use a dropper to help administer the oil into your ear. You’ll only need a few drops, and you’ll need to sit with your head tilted for a few minutes before sitting up straight and allowing the oil and softened wax to drain out. One thing to remember with this method is that it might take a day or two of this treatment to be effective.

What to Avoid

One massive mistake individuals make when cleaning their ears is using cotton swabs. Did you know that audiologists actually recommend never putting anything bigger than your finger in your ear? This is because cotton swabs can actually do more harm than good, and they often push earwax further into the ear canal rather than clean it.

You should also avoid ear candles because not only could you burn yourself, but you could cause more obstruction in your ear canal and even damage your eardrum. Finally, never use sharp objects like a bobby pin or paper clip to try and scrap wax out as it can cause damage to your ear canal or even your eardrum.

If your ears are blocked and the DIY methods haven’t worked, your best bet is visiting your audiologist for safe earwax removal and a hearing test. They will be able to safely take care of your ears and help prevent the problem from happening again.