If you’re dealing with excess wax build-up in your ears, the quickest way to remove it is to use an ear syringe. An ear syringe is a small, funnel-shaped device that you can use to flush out your ear canal with water or another liquid. Olive oil is a popular choice for ear syringing because it’s a natural lubricant that can help soften the wax so that it’s easier to remove. Plus, it can help soothe any irritation in the ear canal.
Some people use olive oil as a home remedy to remove earwax. People with ear infections have been known to benefit from warm olive oil drops being placed in their ears. Here are some good resources to help you answer any common questions you may have about olive oil and its uses in ears. It is generally safe to use olive oil in small amounts in the ear.
According to a 2010 study, olive oil was more effective than placebo, but less effective than a doctor’s eardrop. It is never a good idea to put olive oil in the ears of a person who has a ruptured eardrum. When you inject olive oil into your ear, you may experience itching, ear infections, dizziness, and skin irritation. It should not be attempted by anyone who has an allergy to olives or olive oil. If you use hot olive oil, do not use it on a child.
Ear Wax
Generally, the human ear is self-cleaning and requires no intervention to keep it clean. The ear produces ear wax, also called cerumen, as a natural defense mechanism to protect the ear from dirt and debris. The ear wax also provides lubrication to keep the ear from feeling dry and itchy. The ear wax gradually moves from the ear canal to the opening of the ear, where it dries up and falls out.
The ear is made up of three structures: an external structure, a middle structure, and an inner structure. Cerumen is a waxy oil produced by the hair follicles and glands lining the ear canal.
When ear wax dries and falls out, you can either wash it or remove it. Using cotton swabs to clean the ear canal is not a good idea. The body naturally lubricates, protects, and coats the ear’s lining. If you are unable to remove excess wax or have discomfort, you should consult a healthcare professional.
When removing ear wax you want to be safe and not damage your ear. There are two common ways of removing wax safely:
- Ear drops: Over-the-counter ear drops are a common and safe way to soften earwax so that it can be easily removed. Follow the instructions on the label.
- Ear irrigation: This involves flushing the ear with water or a saline solution. This method should only be done by a medical professional as it can be harmful if done incorrectly.
Does Olive Oil Work?
The limited research available has found that using a small amount of olive oil in the ears is most likely safe. However, it has yet to be proven to be effective at helping with earwax or ear infections.Research indicates that olive oil is not as successful at breaking up excess earwax as over-the-counter ear drops.
Symptoms of an earwax buildup include a feeling of fullness inside the ear, pain, tinnitus, and partial hearing loss.Olive oil can soften hardened earwax and allow it to be removed from the ear more easily. It’s important to note that olive oil does not dissolve earwax.A 2013 study followed people who placed a drop of olive oil in one ear every day for 24 weeks.
Researchers found that the participants who used olive oil daily developed more earwax in the treated ear than in the ear that was not treated. In fact, participants experienced 99.5% more earwax in the ear treated with olive oil than the other ear. However, spraying olive oil into the ear before a physician-performed irrigation appeared to help remove the earwax more easily.
A 2020 review also found that putting warm olive oil into the ear before doctor irrigation was effective at softening the wax before the procedure. Ear irrigation involves flushing the ear with warm water and sometimes removing excess wax by hand.
It’s important to note that many of the reviewed studies were very small, and more research is required before it’s safe to draw conclusions about using olive oil to treat earwax.Olive oil has been proven to have antimicrobial properties, but it is not clear if it can kill the bacteria that lead to ear infections.
Is It Okay To Put Olive Oil In Your Ear?
There’s no definitive answer to this question since opinions will vary from person to person. Some people may swear by using olive oil as a home remedy for earaches, while others may find that it doesn’t work for them or makes their symptoms worse. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether or not you want to try putting olive oil in your ear.
If you do decide to go ahead with it, make sure you use a sterile, high-quality olive oil and apply it very carefully so that you don’t end up with any oil in your ear canal.If you have allergies, it is recommended that you avoid using oils like nut oils because they can cause hives.
Ear wax is more commonly found in certain people and can cause health problems in some people. Those who are prone to it should consult with a doctor to determine whether or not professional removal is required. If you are the average person, olive oil or cooking oil is best.
Olive Oil Dissolves Earwax
Olive oil, as a softener to hardened earwax, allows it to be removed more easily from the ear. It is important to note that olive oil does not dissolve earwax. In 2020, a review of ear-mold cases found that putting warm olive oil in the ear before doctor irrigation softened the wax before the procedure.
Olive oil is one of the oldest ways to remove ear wax that has blocked an ear.
A small amount of earwax on the outer third of the ear canal serves as a healthy barrier against infection, lubricates the canal, prevents dust and dirt from entering the ear, and is an important part of maintaining proper ear canal hygiene.
READ MORE: Ear Infections In Adults
How To Put Olive Oil In Your Ear
Always check with your doctor before starting a new health regimen. If you’d like to try using olive oil to remove excess earwax, be mindful that this treatment has not been medically proven.To place a drop of olive oil into your ear, fill a clean eyedropper with olive oil. This will help control the amount of olive oil used.
Lie on the opposite side of the affected ear, and gently squeeze one drop into your ear. It may help to gently pull your outer ear up and back to open your ear canal. Then lightly massage your ear to work the olive oil into the hardened wax. Once you have cleaned out your ears, dry them thoroughly with a clean towel. A hair dryer set to the warm (not hot) setting may help as well.
Try this process once per week for one to two weeks. If you don’t notice any improvement or if you experience side effects, see your doctor.The use of olive oil in small amounts is generally safe in the ear. It is not a good idea for people with ruptured eardrums to put olive oil, other substances, or cosmetics into their ears.
One of the most common side effects of rinsing the ears with olive oil is itching, ear infections, dizziness, and skin irritation.Olive oil is a well-known cooking oil found in a Mediterranean diet, and it is one of the most commonly consumed cooking oils. In addition, it can be used to treat ear infections as well as remove ear wax. Using olive oil in the ear can aid in the removal of hardened ear wax by softens it and makes it easier to remove.
The glands in the entrance of your ear canal secrete wax to lubricate and protect your skin. Although a buildup of wax can make your hearing sound less clear, you are unlikely to need to remove it. Some people believe that using olive oil in their ears to treat ear pain caused by an infection is a natural way to fight infections.
Because olive oil softens and loosens hardened earwax, it is easier to remove from the ear canal. Make sure to use room temperature or olive oil with a slightly warmed core to avoid burning the delicate skin in your ear. A 2013 study found that people who put olive oil drops into their ears every day had significantly more wax in their treated ears than those who did not.
How Long Does It Take For Olive Oil To Clear Ear Wax?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it can vary depending on the individual. However, some people find that olive oil can help to clear ear wax within a few days to a week.You should avoid using olive oil to treat hearing problems. Olive oil softens ear wax, which is correct, but the wax sludge produced by the process will not end up in an average canal.
Cotton buds or Q-Tips should never go inside your ears unless you want to push anything in further. Ear wax, is a natural phenomenon, provides lubrication and protection for your ear. Excessive wax can be removed using microsuction, which is a safe and effective procedure.
Can I Put Oil In My Ear If It Hurts?
If your ear hurts, you may be tempted to put oil in it in an attempt to alleviate the pain. However, this is generally not a good idea. While a few drops of oil may not cause any harm, there is a risk of pushing the wax further into your ear, which could cause more pain and potentially damage your ear. It is usually best to see a doctor if you are experiencing pain in your ear.
How Safe Is It?
It appears that placing a small amount of olive oil into your ears is safe in most cases.
Side effects of using olive oil in the ear are rare, but they may include itching, dizziness, skin irritation, and inflammation of the outer ear canal.
If you are concerned that you have a ruptured eardrum, do not place any liquid, including olive oil, in your ear. Rather, see your doctor right away.
Symptoms of a ruptured eardrum include ear pain, drainage, hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness, and weakness of the facial muscles. The discharge associated with a ruptured eardrum may be clear, bloody, or filled with pus.
When to Call a Doctor
Check with your doctor before starting a new olive oil regimen in your ears. Your doctor may have more effective tools for removing earwax or treating ear infections. Your primary care doctor or an otolaryngologist (also called an ear, nose, and throat, or ENT, doctor) can help you treat a buildup of earwax by irrigating the ear canal in their office and removing the wax with special tools.
If you wear hearing aids, see your doctor every three to six months to check your ears for excess earwax.Call your doctor if you develop symptoms of a ruptured eardrum such as pain or discharge. Any hearing loss should also be reported to your doctor right away.
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FAQs
How to Use Olive Oil to Clear Earwax? ›
Put 2 or 3 drops of ordinary olive oil down the ear 2 or 3 times a day for 2-3 weeks. This softens the wax so that it then runs out of its own accord without harming the ear. You can continue for any length of time, but 3 weeks is usually enough. Surprisingly, you will not necessarily see wax come out.
Does olive oil really remove ear wax? ›Earwax usually falls out on its own. If it does not and blocks your ear, put 2 to 3 drops of medical grade olive or almond oil in your ear 3 to 4 times a day. Do this for 3 to 5 days.
What dissolves ear wax fast? ›Soften and loosen the earwax with warm mineral oil. You also can try hydrogen peroxide mixed with an equal amount of room temperature water. Place 2 drops of the fluid, warmed to body temperature, in the ear two times a day for up to 5 days.
How long should I leave oil in my ear? ›You must lie there for 5 minutes (this is a long time, so please time it) to enable the oil to penetrate the wax. 5. If both ears are to be done, do one ear in the morning and the other in the evening.
Does olive oil need to be warm to remove ear wax? ›Apply drops twice daily Fill a pipette with olive oil and place it into a shallow dish of warm water to warm the oil Lie on your side with the ear that you want to apply the oil into uppermost Pull the outer ear backwards and upwards to straighten the ear canal Drop 2 – 3 drops of warmed olive oil into the ear and ...
How long does it take for olive oil to clear wax? ›Put 2 or 3 drops of ordinary olive oil down the ear 2 or 3 times a day for 2-3 weeks. This softens the wax so that it then runs out of its own accord without harming the ear. You can continue for any length of time, but 3 weeks is usually enough. Surprisingly, you will not necessarily see wax come out.
How long does it take for olive oil to dissolve ear wax? ›Earwax usually falls out on its own. If it does not, put 2 to 3 drops of olive oil or almond oil in your ear twice a day for a few days. Over the next 2 weeks lumps of earwax should fall out of your ear. Especially at night when you're lying down.
What draws earwax out? ›Your provider can also flush out the wax using a syringe filled with warm water and saline or diluted hydrogen peroxide. Medicated ear drops may also be recommended to help soften the wax, such as carbamide peroxide (Debrox Earwax Removal Kit, Murine Ear Wax Removal System).
How do you remove deep ear wax at home? ›Earwax removal tips
Instead, soak a cotton ball and drip a few drops of plain water, a simple saline solution, or hydrogen peroxide into the ear with your head tilted so the opening of the ear is pointing up. Keep it in that position for a minute to allow gravity to pull the fluid down through the wax.
- eardrops – drops used several times a day for a few days to soften the earwax so that it falls out by itself.
- ear irrigation – a quick and painless procedure where an electric pump is used to push water into your ear and wash the earwax out.
How do you massage ear wax out? ›
To do this, just gently massage the outside of the ear using circular movements. That way, the impaction will soften, which can help the earwax drain more easily. Once you've finished making these circular movements, pull your ear slightly backwards, from the lobe to the top of the auricle.
Why do my ears feel clogged but no wax? ›Allergies, head colds, pregnancy, and air pressure are some common reasons it may feel like your ears are full. Typically, plugged ears settle after a few days. Decongestants and nasal sprays are the best treatment for plugged ears that allergies and head colds cause.
Why do I have so much ear wax all of a sudden in one ear? ›A: Ear wax production is often triggered by what hearing health care professionals call a contact stimulus. Objects like headphones, earbuds and even hearing aids that contact and rub the ears are the biggest culprits. By producing more earwax, your ears are trying to protect themselves from irritation or infection.
How do you unblock your ears fast and safely? ›If your ears are plugged, try swallowing, yawning or chewing sugar-free gum to open your eustachian tubes. If this doesn't work, take a deep breath and try to blow out of your nose gently while pinching your nostrils closed and keeping your mouth shut. If you hear a popping noise, you know you have succeeded.
Will impacted ear wax fix itself? ›Will impacted ear wax fix itself? The short answer is that it is unlikely. While it is true that our ears are self-cleaning, and wax should be carried out of the ear canal naturally, if your ear wax has built up to the point that it is symptomatic, and impacted, you may need a little more help.
Why is my ear so clogged I can't hear? ›What are the causes of clogged ears? Eustachian tube blockage. The eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the throat, can become blocked when fluid or mucus is trapped. Oftentimes, this occurs when experiencing seasonal allergies, a cold or sinus or ear infection.
What are the side effects of olive oil ear drops? ›Irrigating the ear with olive oil can cause side effects such as itching, outer ear infections, dizziness, and skin irritation. Anyone with an allergy to olives or olive oil should not try this remedy. It is also vital to be cautious when using this home remedy with children.
Does hydrogen peroxide clean ears? ›As one of the most effective ways to remove excess wax, hydrogen peroxide is best able to remove stubborn ear wax from inside your ear canal. Using a dropper, place a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water (equal parts) into your ear as you lay on one side.
What does hard ear wax look like? ›Dark brown or black colored earwax is typically older, so its color comes from the dirt and bacteria it has trapped. Adults tend to have darker, harder earwax. Dark brown earwax that is tinged with red may signal a bleeding injury. Light brown, orange or yellow earwax is healthy and normal.
What to do after putting olive oil in ear? ›Put two or three drops of olive oil in the opening of your ear. Gently massage the skin at the front of the entrance to your ear canal to help the oil work its way in. Remain on your side for 5 to 10 minutes. Wipe away any extra oil that drips from your ear when you sit up.
What are the symptoms of a blocked ear? ›
- Earache.
- Feeling of fullness in the ear.
- Ringing or noises in the ear (tinnitus)
- Hearing loss.
- Dizziness.
- Cough.
- Itchiness in the ear.
- Odor or discharge in the ear.
Soak a cotton ball with the hydrogen peroxide. Tilt your head and drip the peroxide into your ear. You may hear it fizz as it tries to dissolve the earwax. After about 30 seconds, drain your ear onto a washcloth.
How do you dissolve thick ear wax? ›- Tilt your head to the side and drip 5 to 10 drops of hydrogen peroxide into your ear.
- Keep your head tilted to the side for 5 minutes to allow the peroxide to penetrate the wax.
- Do this once a day for 3 to 14 days.
A doctor will usually syringe your ear and then use tweezers to remove the excess earwax. This should only be performed by a medical professional. Do not attempt this procedure on your own! These are just a few of the methods to clean your ear safely.
What happens when ear wax goes deep? ›Untreated earwax buildup can lead to hearing loss, irritation, pain in your ear, dizziness, ringing in your ears and other issues. In most cases, earwax impaction isn't dangerous and symptoms go away with treatment.
What does dark earwax mean? ›Gray or black earwax usually means there is a buildup of dust in the ear or impacted earwax. If you are experiencing hearing loss, this could be a sign of impacted earwax. Your doctor can safely remove the blockade and provide you with tips on how to prevent this in the future.
How do you get ear wax out without pushing it in? ›Just use a washcloth. You also can try putting a few drops of baby oil, hydrogen peroxide, mineral oil, or glycerin in your ear to soften the wax. Or you can use an over-the-counter wax removal kit. Besides cotton swabs or any other small or pointy objects, don't use ear candles to clean your ears.
Do you get more ear wax as you age? ›As people age, changes to the glands inside the ear cause your earwax, also known as cerumen, to become drier, which makes it harder for your ears to clean themselves as effectively as they used to. This, in turn, makes it more likely that wax will build up inside the ear canal and form a blockage.
Which food make more ear wax? ›Consuming dairy products such as milk, eggs and cheese in high quantities can lead to the excessive production of earwax in your ear canals. This is because dairy foods contain lactose. Dieticians have also noted a link between milk and earwax, but mostly for people who are lactose intolerant.
Why do my ears feel wet inside and itchy? ›Itchy ears can sometimes be a sign of an ear infection. Bacteria and viruses cause them, usually when you have a cold, the flu, or allergies. One kind, swimmer's ear, can happen when water stays in your ear after you swim. Too much moisture wears away your ear canal's natural layer of defense against germs.
Will my ears eventually unclog? ›
For most people, blocked ears are a temporary condition that will clear up when the pressure in the ears returns to normal. However, if this doesn't happen a visit to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) professional may be helpful.
Will my ears unblock overnight? ›Your ear may unblock on its own within hours or days. But several home remedies and medications can provide fast relief. As you treat a clogged ear, it's also helpful to identify possible causes of the blockage. This way, you and your doctor can determine the best way to treat the clog and prevent future problems.
Are there ear drops to unclog ears? ›If you have earwax buildup, certain ear drops can soften and loosen your earwax for easier removal. There are three types of softening drops for earwax: water-based, non-water-based and oil-based. If you have impacted earwax, a healthcare provider may recommend ear drops containing: Carbamide peroxide.
What happens if you push earwax too far back? ›If you push cotton swabs, pencils, your finger or other objects in your ear canal to try to remove wax, the force can push the wax further into the ear and compress it against the eardrum. Ear wax blockage, also called cerumen impaction, is a common cause of temporary hearing loss.
How long does it take for hydrogen peroxide to dissolve ear wax? ›Administer the instructed number of drops into your ear canal and fill it with fluid. Keep still for 5 minutes. Sit up after 5 minutes, and blot the outer ear with a tissue to absorb any liquid that comes out. Repeat this process for your other ear.
What to do if your ear is clogged and nothing works? ›Plug your nose, take a deep breath through your mouth, close your lips, puff your cheeks and exhale gently through your nose. The pressure that is created helps unclog your ears. Chewing gum afterwards will help keep your eustachian tube opens.
Is drinking water good for clogged ears? ›Drink Water. Having a glass of water can help stimulate the sinuses to help clear them, including the ear canals. Staying hydrated also promotes fluid balance helping to reduce earwax build-up over a more extended period.
Can ear drops make a blocked ear worse? ›The ear drops can make the symptoms of excessive ear wax worse, including some discomfort, irritation or pain, loss of hearing, dizziness and tinnitus (ringing sound in the ear). Very rarely, an unpleasant taste has been reported. Stop using the ear drops immediately if this happens and tell your doctor.
What is the best oil to loosen ear wax? ›Your health care provider may also recommend that you use earwax-softening agents such as saline, mineral oil or olive oil. This helps loosen the wax so that it can leave the ear more easily.
How do you scoop out ear wax? ›One involves using a curette, a slender instrument designed to fit into the narrow ear canal that has a curved tip to scrape or scoop out wax. Another method Ying uses involves dilating the ear canal with a speculum, then using suction to dislodge the wax.
How do you get rid of impacted ear wax? ›
Treating impacted earwax at home
Soften the earwax by putting a couple drops of baby oil, mineral oil or hydrogen peroxide in your ear. Hold your head sideways while the drops sit in your ear for a couple minutes. This should loosen the earwax so that when you tilt your head the other way, the earwax comes out.
Use an eyedropper to apply a few drops of baby oil, mineral oil, glycerin or hydrogen peroxide in your ear canal. Use warm water. After a day or two, when the wax is softened, use a rubber-bulb syringe to gently squirt warm water into your ear canal.
How can I tell if my ear is blocked with wax? ›- Earache.
- Feeling of fullness in the ear.
- Ringing or noises in the ear (tinnitus)
- Hearing loss.
- Dizziness.
- Cough.
- Itchiness in the ear.
- Odor or discharge in the ear.
Dark brown or black colored earwax is typically older, so its color comes from the dirt and bacteria it has trapped. Adults tend to have darker, harder earwax. Dark brown earwax that is tinged with red may signal a bleeding injury. Light brown, orange or yellow earwax is healthy and normal.
What happens if earwax is not removed? ›Untreated earwax buildup can lead to hearing loss, irritation, pain in your ear, dizziness, ringing in your ears and other issues. In most cases, earwax impaction isn't dangerous and symptoms go away with treatment.
Is it safe to put hydrogen peroxide in your ear? ›Even though hydrogen peroxide can be used as an alternative to cotton swabs for removing earwax, you should use caution with this method. You might feel confident that you're using a skin-safe concentration, but it can cause harm if you use too much. No more than 10 drops should be used in your ear at a time.
Does hydrogen peroxide dissolve ear wax? ›As one of the most effective ways to remove excess wax, hydrogen peroxide is best able to remove stubborn ear wax from inside your ear canal. Using a dropper, place a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water (equal parts) into your ear as you lay on one side.
Will impacted ear wax eventually come out? ›Often the earwax goes away on its own with time. In rare cases, removing earwax can cause problems. Providers may advise removal for people who can't talk about their symptoms, such as young children.
How does hydrogen peroxide remove impacted ear wax? ›Hydrogen peroxide is a common ingredient in eardrops that can help remove earwax. It does this by adding oxygen to the wax, causing it to bubble and soften. Earwax is a waxy substance secreted in the ear canal. It is a natural cleanser with antifungal and antibacterial properties that help protect the ears.