Your doctor can diagnose ear wax blockage by looking into your ear canal with an instrument called an otoscope. Treatment may include: drops to soften the ear wax and help it to fall out on its own (this may take from a few days to a few weeks)
Ear drops alone will clear a plug of earwax in most cases. 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.
Softening the wax with ear drops may be enough to allow the natural processes of elimination to occur so that the wax comes out of the ear on its own. Just like it should do. So, if time allows, simple softening and a 'wait and see' approach may be enough.
A pharmacist can help with earwax build-up
They can give advice and suggest treatments. They might recommend medicines to dissolve the earwax. The earwax should fall out on its own or dissolve after about a week.
Lie on your side for a few minutes. This allows the ear drops to reach your eardrum. Sit up and allow any excess drops to drain out of your ear.
One of the main reasons why your ears may feel blocked after using Otex is that the earwax is not completely removed from your ears. The earwax may have been softened by the Otex solution, but it may still be present in the ear canal. This can lead to a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears.
How to Put in Ear Drops: Lie on the side with blocked ear upward. Place 5 drops into ear canal. Keep drops in ear for 10 minutes by continuing to lie down.
The good news is that once your earwax removal appointment is finished, you can go back to everyday life as you know it. Many of our clients report being able to hear better once the wax buildup has been removed. They often experience less ear pain and discomfort as well.
A clean ear canal can make a world of difference. One study found that 35 percent of hospitalized patients over age 65 had impacted earwax and 75 percent of those had improved hearing after it was removed. Some experts estimate that removing an earwax plug can improve hearing by 10 decibels.
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). Because these drops can irritate the delicate skin of the eardrum and ear canal, use them only as directed.
Keep the head tilted for several minutes or insert a soft cotton plug in the ear. If there is any wax remaining after treatment, it may be removed by gently rinsing the ear with warm water or using an ear syringe with a soft rubber bulb.
The pain, discomfort, and safety of removal depend upon the method that is used to remove the wax. For most, earwax removal is similar to getting your teeth cleaned. You know it's happening but it doesn't hurt. There are many options for the removal of earwax.
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.
Some people feel dizzy after ear irrigation but this quickly settles. The ear canal may be prone to infection for 4-5 days until more wax is produced to protect it. Some people develop an inflammation in the ear canal following ear irrigation. This causes itch and discomfort but can be treated with ear drops.
Your ear throbbing or feeling sore
The majority of these side effects usually pass within 24 hours as your body adjusts. If there is any throbbing or soreness, we recommend that you keep your ears dry for 24 hours. You can do this by placing a ball of cotton wool coated in Vaseline at the opening of your ear canal.
So it is important to keep your ears dry for a minimum of 4-5 days after treatment. To keep your ears dry when you are washing your hair, showering, bathing or swimming, insert ear plugs or cotton wool coated in petroleum jelly into the outside of the ear canal to act as a protective seal.
Two nightly applications of WAXSOL should sufficiently loosen the hardened ear wax, making it easier to come out. If you are continuing to experience a blockage, feel pain or notice a discharge coming from the ear canal, it is recommended that you contact your doctor.
Just two applications may be enough to soften and safely remove the ear wax, without the need for ear syringing. WAXSOL can be administered to one ear or both ears at once if needed. Stop using WAXSOL if pain, irritation, or inflammation occurs, and speak to your healthcare professional.
Usually 10 drops per ear / sufficient to fill the affected ear. As for adult dose. Apply before going to bed, tilt the head and fill the ear canal with Waxsol Ear Drops. Plug the ear using cotton wool, leaving in the ear overnight.
A temporary mild bubbling sensation in the ear can occur (due to the release of oxygen as the drops break down the ear wax).
Signs and symptoms of earwax blockage may include: Earache. Feeling of fullness in the ear. Ringing or noises in the ear (tinnitus)
Try propping yourself up on a stack of pillows, or better yet sleep in a reclining sofa or armchair. As long as you're upright enough to allow the ears to drain more successfully, you should notice an improvement in symptoms and be able to sleep much easier.
If your doctor recommends that you try to remove earwax at home: 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.
Here's what not to do.
Don't stick things into your ear canal, no matter how tempting this idea may be. Cotton swabs, ear candles, and small objects like tweezers or bobby pins don't belong in the ear canal, and they can actually do more harm than good.
If wax touches the ear drum, it can be painful and cause muffled hearing. There are many products on the market to remove wax using oils, solutions, syringes, ear vacuums and candles. These may seem to help in some instances, but can also cause bigger problems like damaging the ear canal or eardrum.