Earwax helps the ear clean itself. If the brownish secretion hardens, natural remedies can help to soften the plug.

In some people, the ear produces too much earwax (cerumen). If not removed regularly, it swells up and forms a plug that clogs the Ear Canal. This leads to hearing loss and a permanent dull feeling in the ear.

Drops and sprays (called cerumenolytics) can help soften hardened earwax and make it easier to remove. But there are also home remedies that work just as well.

But be careful: If acute ear pain occurs, those affected should not doctor themselves, but should immediately consult a doctor. Because pain can be an indication of inflammation, which is not to be trifled with in the ear.

Why does the body need earwax?

The cerumen supports the self-cleaning of the ears. Dead cells and dust migrate from the eardrum down the ear Canal and mix with the secretion of earwax. Supported by chewing movements, this mass then gradually moves in the direction of the auricle. In this way, pathogens are also transported to the outside.

Home remedy #1: Warm salt water

Salt water is a tried and tested and equally gentle home remedy for unblocking the ear canals. It is also good for babies and toddlers to remove sticky clogs in the outer ear canals.

Here’s how it’s done: Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in 100 milliliters of lukewarm water and drip some into your ear. Then close it with a cotton ball and leave it on for about a quarter of an hour. Then rinse with lukewarm water and pat the ear dry with a washcloth or cotton wool.

Important to know

Ear rinsing should always be done with liquids that have been warmed to body temperature beforehand. Because the ear is sensitive to temperature changes. Cold liquids can quickly lead to discomfort and dizziness.

Home remedy #2: Flushing with oils

Warmed olive oil, almond oil, or baby oil can also soften earwax, making it easier for it to drain out of the ear afterwards. A few drops of oil are sufficient for the treatment.

To put the oil in the ear, it is best to use an eyedropper or a small spoon. The oil should act for at least five minutes. To prevent it from leaking out again, you can close your ear with cotton wool. Then rinse the ear with lukewarm water.

But be careful: Only use high-quality organic oils so that no harmful substances get into your ears.

Home remedy #3: Steam bath with chamomile

Another gentle home remedy to clear clogged ears is a steam bath with chamomile. The medicinal plant ensures that dry earwax dissolves. It also cleans the ear canal and protects against bacteria.

Pour a tablespoon of chamomile in two liters of hot water. Drape a towel over your head and soak the clogged ear in the steam for at least ten minutes. Then rinse the ear with lukewarm water.

If the natural measures mentioned do not help, those affected should consult an ear, nose and throat doctor. He will rinse the external ear canal and use special instruments to remove the plug. The treatment is painless and usually only takes a few minutes.

Stay away from cotton swabs and ear candling

Cotton swabs are very popular for removing sticky cerumen from the ear. Often, however, this achieves exactly the opposite and pushes the earwax even deeper into the ear canal up to the eardrum, where a hard plug then forms. In addition, the hard rods can lead to injuries in the inner ear. For these reasons, it is better to stay away from cotton swabs if you want to clean your ears.

So-called ear candles can also lead to injuries. The idea behind this method is that the candle placed in the ear seals the ear canal and creates a negative pressure with the warmth of the fire. This is to allow the earwax to stick to the candle. However, experts warn: There is no scientific evidence that ear candling works. There is also a risk of hot wax flowing into the ear and causing burns.

Prevent ear congestion

Good ear care is important to prevent earwax from forming in the first place. It is sufficient to regularly remove the visible deposits in the ear canal with a paper handkerchief or a damp washcloth. It is also possible to carefully rinse the ear with a gentle jet of water when showering.

When cleaning, you should also not forget the skin behind the ears. It should also be washed and dried well. Otherwise inflammation can occur.

Source:uslifestyler

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