The way to remove earwax that has clumped must be done correctly. This is because removing or cleaning earwax carelessly can cause ear irritation, bleeding wounds, and infection. Earwax can have a soft or dry texture and be slightly rough. This dirt actually has a function, namely to protect the ear from dust, bacteria, or small objects that may damage or injure the ear. Although it has a good function to maintain ear health, sometimes earwax clumps and blocks the ear canal. When it clumps, earwax will be difficult to remove on its own so it is necessary to do the right way to remove earwax that has clumped.
How to Remove Earwax That Has Clumped
It is not recommended to remove earwax that has clumped together using a cotton bud because the wax has the potential to go in deeper. In fact, if done carelessly, the pressure and pressure from the cotton bud can rupture the eardrum.
To be safe, you can do the following ways to remove clumped earwax:
- Doing ear irrigation
One way to remove earwax is by ear irrigation. This method is quite easy to do. You only need to dissolve ½ teaspoon of salt into ½ cup of warm water. Then, soak a cotton ball in the water. After the water is absorbed, you can tilt your head with the ear containing the wax facing upwards. Then, slowly drip the salt water solution absorbed by the cotton ball into the ear hole. Let it sit for a few minutes so that the clumped earwax softens. After that, tilt your head in the opposite direction so that the salt water can come out together with the earwax. You can apply this method to remove clumped earwax to the other ear. Although effective in removing clumped earwax, not everyone can do ear irrigation. If you have a history of a ruptured eardrum or ear infection, this method cannot be done because it can worsen the condition of the ear. - Using olive oil
Olive oil can also be used to remove earwax that has clumped. This method is claimed to be safer and has a lower risk of ear irritation. However, the effectiveness of olive oil in removing earwax that has clumped still needs to be studied further. This method of removing earwax that has clumped is almost the same as ear irrigation. You are advised to tilt your head with the ear containing the wax facing up. Then, drip 2-3 drops of olive oil into the ear hole. After the oil is in, gently massage the area around the ear and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Then, tilt your ear in the opposite direction so that the softened wax can come out. You can do this alternately on the other ear. - Using ear drops
In addition to the methods above, you can also use over-the-counter ear drops to remove earwax that has clumped together. Ear drops contain hydrogen peroxide or docusate which can soften earwax and help it come out. The method for removing earwax that has clumped together using these drops is not difficult. You only need to lie down or tilt your head. Then, drop this medicine into the ear according to the instructions on the packaging and let it sit for 5 minutes so that the earwax can soften. After that, sit down. Earwax will usually come out on its own so you need to catch it with tissue. Although ear drops are effective in cleaning the ears, you still need to use them carefully. This is because hydrogen peroxide can cause irritation, especially if you do not use it according to the instructions on the packaging.
There are various ways to remove earwax that has clumped together, but you must pay attention to safety so that your ears do not become infected, injured, or injured. If you are hesitant to do it yourself at home, it is a good idea to visit a doctor so that your ears can be cleaned properly and safely.
