How To Clean Ear Wax
Ear blockages could happen due to a number of reasons. An ear blockage could be a result of the work of a foreign body, accumulated wax, infections or even a tumor. Mostly, an ear blockage should not be a cause of great worry. Usually ear blockage is caused by accumulation of ear wax in the ear.
The natural construction of the ear is such that it is able to protect itself from any foreign agents. It has a self cleansing system where the wax of the ear is able to trap all the bacteria or viruses and prevent them from entering into the ear canal. The glands that secrete this wax are situated at the outer canal itself. The wax is sticky and traps these antigens before they can enter the canal.
We often use instruments like soft cotton swabs to remove the wax from the ear. The cotton swabs however, can be harmful. Cotton swabs often push the wax further into the ear instead of cleaning it and getting rid of it. When this wax keeps getting pushed inside, eventually, it creates a blockage because of the constant build up of the wax. This gradual accumulation of wax can reduce the hearing power too.
If the wax blockage has occurred due to an infection in the ear, it is better to get it checked so that the underlying cause can be treated. When the infection is cured, the blockage will get resolved.
If this is just accumulated wax, the best way to cure it is to use a weak mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide. Simply mix equal parts of water and hydrogen peroxide. Then using a dropper, pour a few drops of the mixture into your ear. You will most likely hear a small popping sound or a crackling noise. This noise will indicate that ear has cleared up.
For some people, hydrogen peroxide is too strong. For them it is best to replace the hydrogen peroxide with apple cider vinegar. The vinegar will not only help clear the blocked wax but also helps remove infections and impurities if any. Once you have the solution inside your ear, tilt your head to a side so that the solution can flow out.
Paraffin oil has also been successfully used to open up wax blockages. Warm the oil and use a dropper to drop some drops into the ear. This process should be repeated till the wax is completely cleared.
