What causes ear wax plugs?
Earwax is a natural substance that helps protect the ear canal.
But sometimes there is excessive earwax that can lead to reduced hearing or some discomfort.
The earwax can be removed from the ear but be careful not to damage sensitive parts.
So here are the best natural tips to remove a wax plug safely, without risking over infection.
Contents
- 1 What causes ear wax plugs?
- 2 1- Ear clogged with earwax, what precautions?
- 3 2- How to clean an ear with salt water?
- 4 3 – Oxygenated water ear cleaning
- 5 3- How to clean the ear with alcohol and vinegar?
- 6 4- How to remove ear wax using olive oil?
- 7 5- What massage to remove an earplug?
- 8 6- Heat to unblock the ear?
- 9 7- How to clean the ears properly?
- 10 1- Why should cotton swabs be avoided?
- 11 2- Why is the ear cleaner not the solution to clogged ears?
- 12 3- What is the danger of ear candles?
- 13 Frequently Asked Questions
1- Ear clogged with earwax, what precautions?
- Do not use any natural method if you have an infection.
Removing excess earwax can lead to perforation of the eardrum. - Avoid any natural remedy if you have ever had a perforated eardrum
- In case of severe pain, consult a health professional as a priority
2- How to clean an ear with salt water?
Make a saline solution by pouring a teaspoon of sea salt into a glass of lukewarm water.
Dip cotton into the solution and carefully clean the ear canal entrance.
Let a few drops of this solution into the ear, then hold your head for a few seconds and make circular movements to propagate it in depth.
Act in moderation, do not drown the ear, let the gravity make the saline solution reach the earwax.
3 – Oxygenated water ear cleaning
Also known as “oxygenated water” – which is the watery form of hydrogen peroxide – a solution in equal parts of water and hydrogen peroxide (#ad) helps to dissolve the earwax.
Be sure to get 3% oxygenated water so that the solution remains acceptable for the ear canal.
Proceed with a cotton pad as previously indicated, then pour a few drops into the ear, raise your head, and rotate a few times to spread the solution in depth.
A seated position is more appropriate during this application.
You will hear a crackle and feel a tingling sensation generated by the bubbles that is safe.
3- How to clean the ear with alcohol and vinegar?
Mix equal parts white vinegar and isopropyl alcohol (#ad).
Isopropyl alcohol is medical alcohol composed of 30% water and 70% alcohol that is also called rubbing alcohol.
This solution is particularly effective in controlling a swimmer’s ear infection, which is an infection triggered by moisture accumulated in the ear canal.
Alcohol will help to evaporate the water faster and reduce infection by drying out.
At the time of the application described before, you will feel a feeling of warmth on contact with the alcohol that will begin to dissolve the cap.
4- How to remove ear wax using olive oil?
It is also effective to use baby oil or any vegetable oil, as olive oil is the easiest to find.
Fill a dropper bottle and then instill 4 to 5 drops of oil into the ear and apply a cotton pad to seal the ear canal.
Allow the oil to spread for a few minutes, then remove the cotton and tilt your head so that the oil escapes.
You can also opt for a more radical but very effective method by instilling the oil then sealing the ear for a full night and cleaning in the early morning with a cotton soaked in lemon juice.
5- What massage to remove an earplug?
Massage is particularly indicated after the application of oil in the canal.
Apply small circular movements at the base of the ear to soften the cap and then pull the ear back by beating, from the lobe to the pavilion.
6- Heat to unblock the ear?
It is a grandmother’s remedy but has proven its worth.
It consists of heating a damp cloth with an iron and then when it is hot, lying on its side and placing the ear on it.
Allow acting long enough for the ear cerumen to soften and then rinse your ear with lukewarm water with your shower head.
7- How to clean the ears properly?
Weekly cleaning of the ear canal helps to overcome the earplugs.
Using a saline solution available in a drugstore or even water at room temperature helps ensure good ear hygiene without being too aggressive.
Remember that earwax also has a protective role and that cleaning should not be exaggerated.
- What to ban from your pharmacy?
1- Why should cotton swabs be avoided?
The cotton swab can be useful in cleaning the entrance of the canal without ever going any further.
Pushing a cotton swab into the ear can lead to infection by damaging tissue near the eardrum.
It is also possible to aggravate a cerumen cap simply by pushing it with a cotton swab!
2- Why is the ear cleaner not the solution to clogged ears?
Very popular, this torsaded and pointed pen-shaped cleaning tool (Q-grips) has the same defect as cotton swabs.
It invites you to insert the tip in-depth to fetch the earplug.
And all the danger is in hurting the tissues and spreading infection in the eardrum while pushing the cap.
3- What is the danger of ear candles?
The ear candle is trendy but it is dangerous.
Inserting an ear candle, made of beeswax and natural canvas, into the ear canal thinking it will soften and bring the earwax up by the pressure of its ignition is illusory.
Specialists warn: risk of contact eczema at the entrance of the ear canal, risk of burn of the pavilion by misuse, occlusion of the canal by the accumulation of wax, and even risk of otitis.
An earplug is very disturbing but remember that you should never mistreat your ear canal to avoid complications.
Choose a gentle method that dissolves the earwax more or less slowly.
But never be brutal, the ear is very fragile and the production of earwax is natural to protect the eardrum.
What are your tricks?
Frequently Asked Questions
Does earwax blockage cause tinnitus?
Indeed, a wax plug can generate ringing and buzzing sounds similar to tinnitus.
Only the removal of earwax causing the obstruction can stop this phenomenon.
Can earwax cause hearing loss?
The obstruction of the ear canal leads inevitably to a decrease or loss of hearing in the affected ear.
Can ear wax cause vertigo?
The obstruction of the ear canal causes constant discomfort ranging from the simple sensation of a blocked ear to dizziness and disturbed balance.
A wax plug can also cause severe pain from the friction between the skin of the canal and the plug itself.
If needle peak pain occurs with each movement of the jaw, this is external otitis.
Why is my ear bleeding?
The bleeding ear, also called otorrhagia, can be the result of a large earwax plug that does not dislodge.
In the event of bleeding, discharge, fever and severe pain, it is essential to consult an ENT doctor who will rule out the possibility of a perforation of the eardrum.
In this specific case, medical consultation should be preferred without attempting any treatment at home.
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