Ear wax (which is less commonly known by its scientific term, cerumen) is something we often think of as an annoyance. However, ear wax is a naturally-occurring bodily process that helps to keep our ear protected and in good health.
Our glands produce ear wax to the line and help keep the ear canal moist. When ear wax, which is made from about 20 to 50% fat, sufficiently lines the ear canal, it blocks dust, dirt, and other types of environmental debris from entering the ear and causing health problems.
What Causes Ear Wax to Build Up?
Ear wax is supposed to move from the ear canal to the outer ear's opening when it has successfully defended the ear against external invaders. That is when it becomes that pesky ear-crust we feel on the outside of our ears.
We want ear wax to exit the ear and dry out. When it fails to do so, hearing becomes more difficult, and a number of symptoms can arise, including:
- Discharge from the ears
- Ears feeling full
- Feeling pressure within the ears
- Pain inside the ears
- Ringing in the ears (also known as tinnitus)
- Development of an infection
- Presence of a strong odor coming from the ears
- Itching in or around the ears
When ear wax build-up becomes excessive and does not dry up like it is supposed to, we have to find alternative methods for dealing with it.
However, a lot of conventional methods for removing ear wax build-up are not only ineffective but can actually be dangerous.
Methods You Should Not Use When Removing Ear Wax
Before we jump into 10 safe and natural ways to get rid of ear wax, let's first go over methods that should not be used. Using objects like Q-tips, cotton swabs, bobby pins, or any other pointed object to remove ear wax can be dangerous since these items can push ear wax deeper inside your ear.
This can cause irritation within your ear canal, block your eardrum, or, in severe cases, cause your eardrum to rupture. Also, if you use a hearing aid or wear ear plugs, these devices can push ear wax back into your ear canal. Therefore, it is important to be extra diligent about carefully cleaning out ear wax if you wear these devices.
10 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Ear Wax
Now that we have gone over what causes ear wax to build up, and things to avoid when removing the build-up, let us take a look at how to remove ear wax in 10 safe and natural ways.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Rubbing Alcohol
The best way to remove ear wax is by using apple cider vinegar and rubbing alcohol. When apple cider vinegar (which functions as a strong antibacterial agent) is paired with rubbing alcohol, it can be used to stave off infections that cause build-ups of ear wax.
If you decide to try making the apple cider vinegar and rubbing alcohol solution, you will need:
- One ear-dropper
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol
- 2 cotton balls
- 1 washcloth or hand towel
- 1 small bowl
- Mix apple cider vinegar and rubbing alcohol together in a small bowl.
- Gather the solution into the ear-dropper.
- Lie down on your side, keeping the affected ear pointed up toward the ceiling, then gently drop the solution into your ear.
- Put one cotton ball in each ear and let the solution remain in the ears for a few minutes.
- Take the cotton balls out, then place the washcloth over your infected ear.
- Turn the affected ear facing down and remain in this position for a few minutes.
- Repeat as needed.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Another good method for how to remove ear wax is to use a hydrogen peroxide solution. Hydrogen peroxide can break down built-up particles in the body, including ear wax. This method includes using extra virgin olive oil, which adds extra lubrication.
In order to use this method, you must gather:
- 3% hydrogen peroxide
- Cotton swabs
- Cotton balls
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 ear-dropper
- 1 bulb aspirator
- 2 towels
- 1 small bowl with warm water
- Get 2-3 drops of olive oil in the ear-dropper
- Tilt your head to the side, bringing your affected ear up toward the ceiling.
- Gently insert the dropper and put the olive oil in your ear. Wait a few minutes.
- Place a towel on the shoulder of the impacted ear and gather 3-4 drops of hydrogen peroxide in the dropper.
- Place the hydrogen peroxide drops into your ear. If you hear bubbling or experience an itching sensation, don't worry, as this is normal.
- Let the drops sit for 15 minutes. Then, bring your ear onto the towel so the wax can run out.
- Repeat in opposite ear if that one is also affected.
- Drain the solution with warm water gathered in the bulb aspirator. Keep your head over the sink and bulb aspirator at a 45-degree angle as you gently squeeze the water out.
- Dry your ear with a cotton swab or ball.
- Repeat as necessary.
Glycerin
Another best way to clean ears is by using glycerin. Glycerin draws moisture into the body, which, as a natural lubricant, makes it ideal to use when you need to break down ear wax build-up. It's generally a good idea to dilute glycerin before using it in the ears due to its high viscosity.
To use this method, you'll need:
- Glycerin (a few drops will do)
- 1 teaspoon water
- Rubbing alcohol
- 1 ear-dropper
- Combine glycerin and water.
- Draw solution into the dropper.
- Tilt your head with the affected ear up and insert a few drops. Remain in position for 5 minutes.
- Tilt the other ear upward and allow the solution to drain out.
- Dry your ear with a towel, then add 3 drops of rubbing alcohol into your ear.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is another simple solution for how to clean ear wax. It has medium-chain fatty acids (MFCAs) that are antimicrobial and antifungal in nature, and coconut oil seems to be effective in killing off microorganisms that cause ear wax build-up.
For this technique, you will need:
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 ear-dropper
- A towel
- Warm coconut oil in a small pan on the stove or in a bowl in the microwave. You need it to melt but not be too hot.
- Draw some oil into the dropper.
- Tilt your head with the affected ear upward, then drop the oil in. Wait 10 minutes.
- Tilt your head upright and rinse the ear with warm water.
- Use the towel to dry your ear. Repeat if needed with the other ear.
Garlic
Garlic isn't something many would expect to find on a list for ways to get rid of ear wax, but since it contains allicin, it can fight off infections and get rid of ear pain. In fact, studies find garlic to be more effective than some of the best antibiotics.
In order to create this solution, you'll need:
- 2-3 garlic cloves
- 1-2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 ear-dropper
Since you'll be infusing the garlic with sesame oil, you'll need to prepare this on the stove.
Follow these steps:
- Put oil into pan or pot on the stove, then crush and add the garlic cloves.
- Heat oil until the garlic blackens. Turn off heat and allow oil to cool to room temperature. Do not use hot oil!
- Remove garlic and discard, then draw oil into the dropper.
- Tilt your head, insert oil droplets, and remain for a few minutes.
- Tilt head in the opposite direction to let the oil drain out.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is another great way to clean ears. It is antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic. There are several methods to try for making a tea tree oil solution, but the easiest way involves boiling water and tea tree oil together.
To do this, you will need:
- 3 drops of tea tree oil
- 1 small bowl with 8 ounces of water
- Boil water and add oil.
- Put mixture into a bowl, set it on the counter, and make sure it stays warm.
- Bend your head with the affected ear pointed toward the steam.
- Remain here a few minutes to allow the vapor to get into the ear and break down ear wax.
Almond Oil
Almond oil is another popular method to use for getting rid of ear wax build-up. Almond oil makes a fantastic lubricant and can turn even the toughest ear wax into a gooey, drain-able substance.
For this simple solution, you'll need:
- 5 drops almond oil
- 1 ear-dropper
- 1 small bowl
- 1-2 cotton balls
- 1 hand towel or wash cloth
- Heat the almond oil until it is at room temperature. You don't want it to be too hot or too cold.
- Put the almond oil into a small bowl.
- Gather a few drops into the ear-dropper.
- Tilt your head with the affected ear upward and drop about 5 drops of almond oil in. Remain in position for about 5 minutes.
- Put a cotton ball over the affected ear and tilt your head to the other side.
- Use the towel or wash cloth to clean off your ear.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
One of the most non-invasive methods to naturally get rid of ear wax is by taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids work to get rid of toxins that collect inside the body and can clear out excessive amounts of ear wax. They're also great for a lot of other issues, including promoting well-lubricated eyes!
Most pharmacies and grocery stores sell omega-3 fatty acid supplements over the counter. If you get these, make sure you follow the directions listed on the package. Even though these are natural supplements, you don't want to end up taking too many at once.
Of course, you won't be inserting them into your ears, just your mouth. It is best to swallow them with water, even though they usually come in gel capsule format and are therefore easy for most people to swallow. Ask your doctor about how much omega-3 your body needs, and also add some foods to your diet that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which include flaxseed oil, fish, soybeans, and spinach.
Salt Water
Another simple method for how to get wax out of your ear is to use a salt water solution. Creating a saline solution and inserting it into your ear can help make ear wax softer and more liquidy, thereby allowing it to drain out.
In order to make this solution, you will need the following items:
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of warm water
- 1 ear-dropper
- 1 small towel or washcloth
You will need to make sure that the salt dissolves in the cup of warm water before you put the solution into your ear.
Once you have made sure the salt will dissolve, take the following few simple steps to get the saline solution into your ear to break up that pesky ear wax:
- Put a few drops of the saline solution into a dropper.
- Tilt your head with the affected ear upward, then drop the solution in.
- Hold this position for at least 3-5 minutes.
- Tilt your head in the opposite direction to make sure that the ear wax drains out.
- Use the washcloth or hand towel to clean off your ear.
Baking Soda and Water
Last, but certainly not least, the best way to remove ear wax is to use baking soda. Baking soda is powerful in its ability to break down ear wax and other extremely tough substances.
A water-based solution with 10% baking soda has been scientifically been shown to be effective in breaking down ear wax in adults, and especially in children. If you have a perforated eardrum, you should not use this method, but it is considered safe to use for almost everyone else.
In order to create this baking soda solution, you will need:
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 2 ounces of warm water
- A small bowl
- An ear-dropper
- A cloth or towel
- Mix the 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda with the 2 ounces of warm water in a small bowl.
- Draw a few drops of the baking soda solution into an ear-dropper.
- Tilt your head to the side with the affected ear pointing toward the ceiling.
- Place the ear-dropper over the opening of the ear and gently squeeze out a few drops of the solution into the ear.
- Wait 10 minutes so that the solution can reach and dissolve the ear wax.
- Clean your ear off with warm water.
- Tilt your head in the opposite direction in order to let the ear wax drain.
- Clean the affected ear off with a cloth.
In Summary
While all of these natural ways for cleaning out ear wax can be helpful, chronic cases of ear wax build-up can be indicative of much more persistent problems (such as Sjogren's Syndrome) that will require your doctor's assistance in diagnosing and treating.
If your symptoms do not go away or worsen, be sure to call your doctor. Also, before you use any type of at-home or over-the-counter treatment, make sure you are not using any substances that you know you are allergic to since this can cause further complications.
