To protect ourselves from dirt and bacteria, our bodies use ear wax as a natural tool. It traps particles like dirt, dust, and allergens from getting into the ear. No need to worry about ear wax when you have it. Ink pens and Q-tips should not be put in the ears when you are trying to clean them as they can cause problems.
It is common for the ear wax to be washed out or shed on its own. This allows for more wax to replace what has been removed. If you have hearing problems or are unsure of the safest way to clean your ears, you should visit a hearing clinic like HearCanada. Let’s take a look at a few safe ways to clean your ears.
Salt and Warm Water
Since ear wax is hard, salt and warm water will soften it. There will be a gradual fallout of the wax once it becomes soft. All you’ll need is a teaspoon of salt, a cotton ball, and a cup of warm water, all of which can be found in your kitchen. The warm water should be mixed with the salt until it is dissolved in the water.
Face the waxy ear towards the ceiling with your head tilted to the other side. Using a cotton ball, soak it in water and squeeze drops into your ear. A few minutes later, tilt the affected ear, so it faces the floor. Take a few minutes to rest in this position. It should be possible for the wax to come out of the ear.
Water and Hydrogen Peroxide
In addition to softening ear wax, hydrogen peroxide also prevents your ears from getting infected. A quarter cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water, along with a cotton ball, will be all you need to get started. The hydrogen peroxide must be mixed with the water and soaked in the solution with the cotton ball.
Tilt your head to the opposite side of the affected ear. You should pour the mixture into the cotton ball and then squeeze it into the ear. For a few minutes, tilt your head in this position and let it rest there. Tilt your head straight and let the solution drain.
Mineral Oil and Rubbing Alcohol
To get started, you will need mineral oil, a bulb syringe, half a cup of warm water, a towel, rubbing alcohol, and a cotton ball. Soak the cotton ball in oil first. Face the ceiling with the affected ear. Use a cotton ball to place a few drops of oil in the ear. Hold this position for a few minutes. Fill the ear with water using the bulb syringe. Use your towel to dry your ear. Apply rubbing alcohol to your ears.
Baking Soda
Ear wax can be softened with a solution containing 10% baking soda. Add two teaspoons of warm water to one-fourth of a teaspoon of baking soda. Baking soda bubbles up water, so it quickly removes wax.
Place the dropper in the affected ear, tilt your head to the opposite side, and use as many drops as possible. Hold this tilted position for 10 minutes. With a bulb syringe, put warm water into the ear. The excess solution and dissolved earwax should drain out in the opposite direction. Use a clean towel to clean your ear.
Ear wax is a fact of life that should be treated properly to avoid injury or infection. Follow these methods to help you clean your ears safely.
