How can earwax be best removed?
April 28, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by David Rüppel
Dear Sir or Madam,
My name is Benjamin Schröder and I have a question regarding the removal of earwax. In the past few weeks, I have increasingly felt that my left ear is blocked and I am not hearing as well on that ear as usual. I have tried to remove the earwax with cotton swabs, but this has not really helped and I feel like I may have pushed the earwax further into the ear.
I am starting to worry because I have read that improper removal of earwax can lead to injuries in the ear canal. Therefore, I would like to know what options there are for safely and effectively removing earwax. Are there any home remedies I can try? Or should I rather make an appointment with an ear, nose, and throat specialist to have the earwax professionally removed?
I would greatly appreciate it if you could give me some tips on how to solve my earwax problem. I would like to be able to hear unrestricted again and am concerned about possible complications that could arise from improper removal.
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Benjamin Schröder
Dear Benjamin Schröder,
Thank you for your question regarding the removal of earwax. It is important that you address such issues in a timely manner to avoid potential complications.
First of all, it is good that you have already attempted to remove the earwax yourself. However, it is true that the use of cotton swabs is not recommended, as this often just pushes the earwax further into the ear and can even cause injuries. There are, however, some home remedies you can try to gently and safely loosen the earwax.
A proven home remedy, for example, is the application of lukewarm olive oil. Put a few drops in the affected ear and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it out gently with lukewarm water. This can help soften and loosen the earwax. Flushing the ear canal with a special ear irrigation solution from the pharmacy can also be an effective method.
However, if you continue to have problems with blocked ears and your hearing is affected, I strongly recommend scheduling an appointment with an ear, nose, and throat specialist. A specialist can professionally and safely remove the earwax without injuring the delicate inner ear. Additionally, the doctor can investigate possible causes for the increased production of earwax and recommend further measures if necessary.
It is important not to neglect your hearing and to take timely action to avoid potential long-term damage. I hope these tips help you and wish you all the best on your journey to optimal hearing health.
Best regards,
David Rüppel
