Ear wax is medically called cerumen and is the yellowish, waxy substance found in the human ear canals.
Its function is to keep the ear moist, lubricated and clean, and to protect the ears from insects, fungi and bacteria.
Though ear wax serves so many purposes, excessive production of ear wax is not good as it causes itchiness, blockage and potential hear loss. So if you experience discomfort in your ears, it is better to look for natural methods for removing ear wax.
There are basically two types of ear wax in the ears. When it is wet it is usually yellow or dark brown in color, and is easily removed. However if it is mostly dark grey in color, it is dry and has to be softened before removing.
A very popular natural ear wax removal option is using hydrogen peroxide. All you have to do is apply three to four drops of hydrogen peroxide to each ear and then fill a bulb syringe with lukewarm water. Then, you have to gently squirt this water into each ear. Do not squirt too hard as it will only hurt your ear.
Next, tilt your head to let water run out and once this is done, squeeze a rubbing alcohol soaked cotton ball into each ear. Let this alcohol run the length of the ear canal and tilt your ear to let the alcohol run out. This is done to dry the ear canal, and remove ear wax.
Other natural methods for removing ear wax consists of everyday usage of seawater ear spray. You could also use warm paraffin oil to remove ear wax. This is a good natural ear wax removal option as it not only softens wax, but also completely dissolves it.
To remove ear wax using paraffin oil, you just have to apply two to three drops of the oil in your ear and tilt your head downwards. This has to be repeated for a few days after which you have to squirt some warm water into the ears to remove the ear wax.
Water and apple cider vinegar mixture in a 1:1 ratio also helps in removing ear wax while restoring the natural pH of the ear canal. Just warm the mixture and flush each ear with it to remove undissolved wax.
Olive oil or baby oil is good for regular ear cleaning. You just have to slightly heat the oil and pour it into the ears. After lying still for a few minutes, empty the oil in the sink.
Most people think that using cotton buds is a natural ear wax removal option. However this is not true as cotton buds should be only used for cleaning the external ear. If used for cleaning wax, it only pushes the wax further into the ear canal and not remove it.
Moreover, there is a chance of damaging your membrane if cotton buds are used forcefully. A better option would be to use one of these natural ways to remove ear wax. However if the condition persists, do not hesitate from consulting an ENT specialist about it.
