Ear Wax Build Up

Updated on September 03, 2010
R.M. asks from San Antonio, TX
10 answers

I have a wonderful beautiful 9 month old daughter. She has a lot of ear wax build up. I clean her ears but she get a lot of build up. My husband has the same problem too. We have went to her doctor to clean them, but I want to know if there is something that I can do at home to help with the build up or cleaning? A natural way is what I am looking for.

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Thank you for all your wonderful advice.

Featured Answers

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S.

answers from San Antonio on

My doctor said to put olive oil in a dropper and drop a couple drops in their ears every night until you see the wax break down.

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S.O.

answers from San Antonio on

Drops of regular Hydrogen Peroxide will push up any dirt and wax build up. You can then sweep it out from the top of the bubbles. If it is already built up a lot, this may take several tries over several days. Otherwise, you won't have to do it every day. But, it works wonders.

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D.J.

answers from Huntsville on

READ THIS

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ear_candling

Linda Dahlstrom, health editor for MSNBC, underwent the procedure, reporting that the experience (which included a massage) was relaxing, but did not report any other positive effects from her experience. She concluded: "I wouldn’t recommend it for anyone."[5]

The Spokane Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic conducted a research study in 1996 which concluded that ear candling does not produce negative pressure and was ineffective in removing wax from the ear canal.[2] Several studies have shown that ear candles produce the same residue when burnt without ear insertion and that the residue is simply candle wax and soot.[6][7][8]

In October 2007, the United States Food and Drug Administration issued an alert identifying ear candles (also known as ear cones or auricular candles) as "dangerous to health when used in the dosage or manner, or with the frequency or duration, prescribed, recommended, or suggested in the labeling thereof" ... "since the use of a lit candle in the proximity of a person's face would carry a high risk of causing potentially severe skin/hair burns and middle ear damage."[9]

Prof. Edzard Ernst has published critically on the subject of ear candles noting that "There are no data to suggest that it is effective for any condition. Furthermore, ear candles have been associated with ear injuries. The inescapable conclusion is that ear candles do more harm than good. Their use should be discouraged."[10][11]

A 2007 paper in the journal Canadian Family Physician concludes:
"Ear candling appears to be popular and is heavily advertised with claims that could seem scientific to lay people. However, its claimed mechanism of action has not been verified, no positive clinical effect has been reliably recorded, and it is associated with considerable risk. No evidence suggests that ear candling is an effective treatment for any condition. On this basis, we believe it can do more harm than good and we recommend that GPs discourage its use."[12]

A 2007 paper in American Family Physician had this to say:
"Ear candling also should be avoided. Ear candling is a practice in which a hollow candle is inserted into the external auditory canal and lit, with the patient lying on the opposite ear. In theory, the combination of heat and suction is supposed to remove earwax. However, in one trial, ear candles neither created suction nor removed wax and actually led to occlusion with candle wax in persons who previously had clean ear canals. Primary care physicians may see complications from ear candling including candle wax occlusion, local burns, and tympanic membrane perforation."[13]

As of 2008, there are at least two cases in which people have set their houses on fire while ear candling, one of which resulted in death.[14]

K.T.

answers from Houston on

ear candles are GREAT! I have the same problem, and every time it bothers me I go to my local health food store and buy several ear candles. these are safe, but you need a "friend" to help you with them. You can do your husband and your daughter, and get your husband to do you. They are cheaper than a doctor's visit for sure! Last time I checked, they were about $5 for two. so you would need six for your family. Hope this helps!

also, at Walmart now they carry a natural brand called Similisan. You can get ear wax build up drops, and they also make pink eye drops, allergy drops, and other natural drops. You can get them in the pharmacy section in the eye care area....

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L.A.

answers from Houston on

I have the exact same problem - the doctor told me to purchase a baby ear bulb and once or twice a week to clean both ears out with it using warm water. I have done this for 20+ years and it works great. I do it when I am in the shower. This would work for your husband, too!

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J.H.

answers from Houston on

Did you think to ask the Dr.? They're usually pretty helpful in offering home remedies.

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J.R.

answers from Houston on

I think that you need to check with your doctor as well. I thought my daughter had too much wax but they said no they could see to the eardrum and that the wax was only on the side and not an issue at all. Ear wax does protect the ear so dont remove it all.

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A.M.

answers from Austin on

Personally, I find putting rubbing alcohol or peroxide on a cotton ball and letting a bit drip into the ear is helpful. Drip it in, leave for a second, and then tilt it out, and wipe it up - it will soften the wax, and make it easier to (gently) wipe the entrance to the ear. I personally prefer the alcohol, although fair warning: it's cold. But it evaporates quickly, so you won't ever get the feeling of having water in your ear. Have your husband try it first, or try it yourself, so you guys can judge if your daughter will tolerate it.

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A.H.

answers from Austin on

Hey R. -

I actually saw a segment on Oprah when she had Dr. Oz on and someone asked about ear wax buildup. Dr. Oz stated that ear wax buildup is actually genetic so if you husband has alot of buildup, this would explain why your daughter does too. As for cleaning the ears, Dr. Oz said to pour mineral water into the ears and never to use Q-tips (those should only be used for removing makeup).

Hope this helps.

A.

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S.C.

answers from College Station on

Natural Health stores carry ear candles and they are inexpensive and it removes ear wax. Here are some links that can help you. Each link gives different but similar ways to use them and gives info on ear candling.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ear_candling

http://www.ehow.com/how_###-###-####_use-ear-candles.html...

http://www.bibkit.com/howtoearcandle.html

http://www.globalherbalsupplies.com/earcandles/directions...

I have used ear candling for years on myself,my family, and clients for over 15 years and it really does help.
I wish the best and I hope this helped.

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