Earwax, also called cerumen, serves an essential function in the body. It helps remove dead skin cells, dirt, hair, and other debris from the ear canal.
Earwax lowers the risk of infection and prevents the ear canal from feeling uncomfortable and itchy. It also helps reduce the irritation that water causes when it enters the ear canal.
However, it is possible for the body to overproduce earwax, allowing it to build up and block the ear canal.
A blockage can occur if a person cleans their ears using a cotton swab, which can push the cerumen further into the ear canal. This may also happen if a person is using a hearing aid.
The medical term for an earwax blockage is a “cerumen impaction.” People can usually treat this condition at home using simple household products.
Treatments and home remedies
There are several ways to deal with an earwax blockage at home, including:
Hydrogen peroxide
A common method for earwax removal is to add a few drops of hydrogen peroxide to a damp cotton ball and apply it to the affected ear. Hydrogen peroxide is a common antiseptic. A person can also use a clean eyedropper to drip the solution into the ear canal.
It is essential to tilt the head so that the affected ear is pointing upward for several minutes. This will allow the fluid to drip down into the ear canal to reach the blockage.
After a few minutes, tilting the head the other way will allow the fluid and earwax to drain until the ear canal is clear.
Researchers noted that a person should apply hydrogen peroxide to the earwax about 30 minutes prior to ear irrigation. The solution can loosen up the earwax to make removal with water irrigation easier.
A person should use some caution when using pure solutions of hydrogen peroxide or drops made with the solution. At low concentrations typically found in readily available household products, hydrogen peroxide can cause skin irritation. At concentrations of 10% or higher, it can cause burns on the skin.
Read more: How To Get Cerumen or Earwax Out Of Your Ear
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