How To Remove an Ear Wax Blockage Fast

Earwax serves an essential function, protecting the ear canals from dust and other potentially harmful particles. However, if too much of it accumulates and a blockage forms, it can cause an earache or other unpleasant symptoms.

If a blockage is large or deep in the ear canal, medical attention may be necessary to safely remove it. But the good news is that, in many cases, you can remove a blockage with easy and safe home remedies.

Understanding Earwax Buildup

Glands in the ear canal produce earwax (cerumen). It has protective, lubricating and antibacterial properties. Usually, your ear canals clean themselves, with earwax trapping dead skin cells and other material and slowly moving it to the ear opening, where it dries up and falls out of the ear.

However, this process can sometimes be disrupted. The most common cause of a blockage is attempting to clean your ears with cotton swabs or other objects. They can push the wax deeper into the ear canal, leading to what’s called impaction. Some people are also naturally prone to producing an overabundance of earwax.

Signs of an Earwax Blockage

You might have an earwax blockage if you experience any of the following:

• A feeling of fullness in the ear
• Earache or discomfort
• Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
• Partial hearing loss
• Odor or discharge from the ear
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Coughing

If you experience severe pain, fever or drainage from your ear, it’s essential to see a healthcare provider, as these symptoms may indicate an ear infection.

Fast and Safe Home Remedies for Earwax Blockages

For most people, gently softening the earwax is the safest and most effective first step. This can often be done with items you may already have at home, including:

• Warm mineral oil
• Baby oil
• Glycerin drops
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Over-the-counter drops

To use these softeners, tilt your head to one side and use a dropper to place a few drops into the affected ear canal. Keep your head tilted for up to 10 minutes to allow the solution to penetrate the wax. You may hear a fizzing sound, which is completely normal. It’s often best to do this before bed, allowing the solution to work overnight.

After a day or two, the wax may come out on its own. If it doesn’t, you can try gently flushing your ear with a bulb syringe and warm water. It’s crucial that you only do this if you are certain you do not have a perforated eardrum or an ear infection.

Earwax Blockage Removal: What To Avoid

When it comes to removing earwax, safety must be your top priority. Never insert any objects into your ear canal, as they can worsen the problem. For example, cotton swabs can push wax further into the ear and may even cause a punctured eardrum.

You should also steer clear of the practice called ear candling. It involves placing a hollow, lit candle in the ear to create a vacuum that pulls out wax. There is no scientific evidence to support this claim, and the practice can lead to serious injuries, including burns to the ear and face and even eardrum perforation.

When To Contact Your Healthcare Provider

While home remedies are often effective, there are times when it’s best to see a healthcare professional. If you’ve tried home treatments and your symptoms persist, or if you have a history of ear surgery or a ruptured eardrum, you should contact your provider.

They can use specialized tools to safely remove the blockage. If you need to find a Baptist Health provider in your area, please call +1 (844) 679-6835 or visit our provider directory.

Next Steps and Helpful Resources

Learn More About Audiology Care at Baptist Health
Effects of White Noise On Hearing
How To Get Water Out of Your Ear
What Are Audiologists?

Effective Strategies for Relieving Ear Pressure