Wax Blockage Of The Ear Canal

Prevention

Never put any objects into your ear canals. Cotton-tipped swabs should be used to clean the outer ear only. Do not place them in the canal.

Treatment

If you have previously had earwax blockage and recognize the symptoms, you can try treating the blockage at home before seeing a doctor. If you think you may have a hole or tear in your eardrum, or if you have ever had surgery on your ear, do not try removing the blockage yourself because you could cause an infection.

To treat earwax blockage yourself, you can use one of the following:

• An over-the-counter earwax remover

• Hydrogen peroxide

• Warmed (not hot) baby oil or mineral oil

• Liquid docusate sodium

Tip your head so the ear points toward the ceiling. Using a dropper, fill the ear canal with liquid. Keep your head tipped for at least five minutes, then cover your ear with a towel and straighten your head so the liquid drips out. Repeat this process one to two times a day for the next few days. If this does not remove the wax, visit your doctor.

Hydrogen peroxide will bubble in your ear and leave water behind. The moisture can increase your risk of infection. So if you use hydrogen peroxide, follow it with a rinse of rubbing alcohol to dry up the water. If the alcohol causes pain, you may have a perforated eardrum and should visit your doctor.

If you go to your doctor to have the wax removed, your doctor may flush, scrape or vacuum your ear, or he or she may prescribe an earwax softener that you can use at home. In rare cases, you may need to visit a specialist to have the wax removed.