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)
The earwax should fall out on its own or dissolve after about a week. Do not use drops if you have a hole in your eardrum (a perforated eardrum).
Using drops may make your hearing or symptoms a little worse at first before getting better. These can help soften the earwax so that it falls out naturally. There are several different types of eardrops you can use, including drops containing sodium bicarbonate, olive oil or almond oil.
Ear irrigation
Irrigating (gently rinsing) your ear canal can reduce the risk of earwax impaction. It involves using a rubber bulb syringe to squirt water or a saline solution into the ear canal. When the water or solution drains out of the ear, it also flushes out loose ear wax.
However, there are some actions that are permissible to do while fasting, which will not invalidate the fast. Matters relating to the medical treatment are NOT invalidate the fast: Use eye drops, ear drops and ear cleaning (provided no limit to the eardrum).
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.
Many commercially available ear drops contain hydrogen peroxide. While hydrogen peroxide can help remove excess earwax, using too much can irritate the skin inside the ear and lead to other problems. Earwax is a waxy substance produced in the ear canal.
Once the medication has time to work, you'll gently rinse your ear canals with warm water. Some products come with an ear syringe to make this step easier. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product packaging. You should talk to your healthcare provider before using earwax removal drops.
This will close and open the ear canal and force the drops down the ear canal. Continue to lie on your side for a couple minutes to allow the drops to reach the eardrum at the base of the ear canal. Sit up and let any excess drops drain out. Repeat in the other ear, if needed.
It is very important to make sure the drops reach all the way down to the eardrum. Lie on your side (or tilt) for 5 minutes then drain the drops out on a tissue for another 5 minutes to allow the entire canal to be coated. Wipe away excess and repeat with second ear if needed.
Sometimes the ear canal can get so swollen that ear drops won't go all the way into the canal. In these cases, an ear “wick” is placed in the canal to facilitate the drops getting to the infection. Occasionally oral steroids might be used if the swelling is severe or if the swelling extends past the ear canal.
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.
If you are using the eardrops for a middle ear infection—Drop the medicine into the ear canal. Then, gently press the tragus of the ear (see the diagram in the Medication Guide) four times in a pumping motion. This will allow the drops to pass through the hole or tube in the eardrum and into the middle ear.
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.
Some people experience a little dizziness, faintness or a feeling of vertigo during the procedure or shortly afterwards. This is due to microsuction ear wax removal actually causing the temperature of the ear canal to cool down during the procedure, which can cause this feeling.
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.
Signs and symptoms of earwax blockage may include: Earache. Feeling of fullness in the ear. Ringing or noises in the ear (tinnitus)
WAXSOL® is one of the safest ways to remove ear wax. Its gentle, water-based solution helps to moisten and loosen hardened wax in the ear allowing it to come out naturally.
Gently drip 10 drops of WAXSOL into your blocked ear or until it is full. Plug the ear using cotton wool, leaving in the ear overnight. The best time to do this is before you go to bed. Do not use for more than 2 consecutive nights.
Place the cotton wool ball in the ear to act like a plug. In the morning remove the cotton wool ball. Repeat the steps above on Day 2. The loosened ear wax should now gently move out of the ear.
What happens if you put too much ear drops in? In most cases, the drops will just run out of your ear, so it's not cause for concern. With some drugs, like the antibiotic Ciloxan (ciprofloxacin), you should rinse the ear with water if you use too much.
Sleeping sitting up can allow fluid in your ear to drain easier, as well as easing pressure and pain in your middle ear – the likely source of the infection itself. Try propping yourself up on a stack of pillows, or better yet sleep in a reclining sofa or armchair.
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.