Do your ears feel clogged up? Your ears usually clean themselves by moving earwax outward. Sometimes earwax may build up faster than your ear can clean it out.
Before you reach for the Q-Tip, consider this: Putting a Q-Tip or cotton swab into your ear canal can push the earwax deeper into your ears and there is also a risk of eardrum rupture or scratching the canal resulting in a risk of infection.
There are a few safe methods for removing earwax buildup. One option is using ear drops that contain hydrogen peroxide to help dissolve earwax.
Another option is using a bulb syringe and warm water. Bulb syringes are available from most drug stores. If you have never used a bulb syringe before, here is what to do:
- Fill the syringe with warm (not hot) water
- Place it near your ear opening
- Squeeze the bulb so that water flows into your ear
- Wait a couple of seconds before tilting your head over a sink to let the water and wax drain out
If you have excessive or continuous earwax buildup, see your doctor or nurse practitioner to examine your ears to assess and they will clean if necessary. If you have any signs of persistent ear pain, muffled hearing or you feel like your ears are blocked it is always best to get checked out.
By Ceri Anderson, Registered Practical Nurse
