Have you noticed your hearing becoming muffled or sounds becoming distorted? You may have an earwax blockage. Earwax buildup is common and often temporary, but it can be annoying while it lasts. Before you rush out to have your ears irrigated, try an ear massage. A simple self-massage technique can help loosen the earwax and allow it to fall out on its own.
Earwax blockages often clear up in a few days with the help of gravity and jaw movement. An ear massage speeds this process by gently loosening the wax from the walls of the ear canal so it can make its way out. The warmth and motion increase ear circulation, which helps naturally move the wax along. An ear massage is a safe, natural way to relieve ear fullness and muffled hearing caused by excess earwax. With some warm oil and a few minutes of gentle massage, you can get earwax relief and unclog your ears right at home.
Why Ear Wax Buildup Occurs
Ear wax blockage occurs when cerumen, the yellow waxy substance produced in the ear canal, accumulates and hardens. Ear wax can press against the eardrum and ear canal as it builds up, causing discomfort and muffling sounds. Several factors contribute to excess ear wax:
- Production of ear wax increases with age, as the ear canal glands that secrete it become more active over time. The elderly and middle-aged adults are more prone to buildup.
- The shape and size of your ear canals also play a role. Narrow or misshapen ear canals are more likely to get clogged.
- Use of cotton swabs or other devices to clean the ears can push ear wax deeper into the ear, causing impaction.
- Exposure to water such as swimming or bathing may expand and soften ear wax, clogging the ears.
- Certain skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis can lead to excessively dry or flaky ear wax that blocks the ears.
- Obstructions in the ear like bony growths, skin cysts or hair can trap ear wax and prevent it from falling out naturally.
To prevent excess ear wax, avoid using cotton swabs or any objects to clean inside your ears. See a doctor to have your ears irrigated periodically, especially if you are prone to blockages. Letting a few drops of baby oil, glycerin, or commercial ear wax removal drops soften the wax before irrigation helps make the process safer and more effective. Practicing good ear hygiene and knowing the factors that can lead to buildup will help you address ear wax blockage and keep your ears clear and healthy.
Warning Signs of Ear Wax Blockage
If you experience any of the following warning signs, you may have an ear wax blockage that requires medical attention:
a) Hearing Loss
If sounds seem muffled or it’s difficult to hear certain frequencies, ear wax blockage could be the culprit. As the wax builds up, it can obstruct the ear canal and prevent sound waves from reaching the eardrum. See your doctor right away for an ear irrigation to remove the excess wax and restore your hearing.
b) Ear Pain
Excessive ear wax that presses against the eardrum or ear canal walls may cause pain, soreness, or aching in the affected ear. The pain tends to be temporary but can recur frequently until the blockage is cleared. Applying a warm compress to the ear may provide some relief until you can be seen by your physician.
c) Ringing in the Ears
Accumulated ear wax can sometimes stimulate the auditory nerves and cause tinnitus, the medical term for a ringing, buzzing, or roaring sound in the ears. If the ringing in your ears is frequent or disruptive, consult your doctor. They can determine if the tinnitus is due to ear wax blockage or another condition.
d) Coughing
A large ear wax blockage may irritate the ear canal or eardrum and trigger a cough reflex. The coughing is usually dry and non-productive. Although rare, see your doctor right away if you experience frequent coughing that you think may be related to excess ear wax. They can clear the blockage and determine if any ear damage has occurred.
Ear wax blockage is normally easy to remedy. However, if you notice any of the above warning signs, especially hearing loss, ear pain, or ringing in the ears, contact your physician promptly for an ear exam and wax removal. An accumulation of ear wax left untreated can potentially lead to ear infection or other ear problems.
How to Safely Massage Out Ear Wax
To safely massage out ear wax blockage at home, follow these steps:
i) Gather Supplies
You will need a few supplies:
- Mineral or olive oil – Helps soften the ear wax, making it easier to fall out on its own.
- Rubber bulb syringe – For irrigating and rinsing out the ears. Sterilize before use.
- Lukewarm water – Fill the bulb syringe for irrigating. Water that is too cold can cause dizziness.
- Towel – For drying ears after irrigation and catching drips.
- Cotton swabs – Only for cleaning the outer ear, do not insert into ear canal.
ii) Soften the Ear Wax
Start by putting a few drops of mineral or olive oil in the affected ear. This will help soften the ear wax, allowing it to fall out on its own over the next few days. You can do this 2-3 times a day until the blockage clears or you are ready to irrigate.
iii)Â Â Â Â Irrigate Using a Bulb Syringe
If the ear wax blockage does not clear within a week, you may need to irrigate the ear. Fill the bulb syringe with lukewarm water and tilt your head to the side so the ear opening is facing up. Gently insert the tip of the syringe into the ear canal and squeeze the bulb to release the water. Aim the water at the sides of the canal, not directly into the eardrum. Repeat until the water runs clear. Allow excess water to drain and dry ears with a towel.
iv) See a Doctor if Needed
If irrigation does not relieve the ear wax blockage, the ear pain gets worse or does not improve, or you experience hearing loss or drainage of fluid from the ear, consult your doctor. They can examine the ears and may need to remove the ear wax blockage. Never use cotton swabs, bobby pins or other objects to remove ear wax, as this can push the wax deeper or cause injury.
With patience and the proper technique, you can often clear minor ear wax blockages yourself at home. However, if problems persist or get worse, do see your doctor for an exam to avoid potential damage or infection.
When to See a Doctor for Ear Wax Removal
If your ear wax blockage does not clear up on its own or with home remedies after a week, you should see your doctor for professional ear wax removal. A doctor can determine if the ear wax blockage is impacted and needs to be removed. They can also check for any other underlying issues.
a) Ear irrigation
Ear irrigation, also known as ear syringing or ear lavage, uses a stream of water to gently irrigate the ear and soften the ear wax, flushing out the blockage. The doctor uses a medical device called an ear irrigator or ear syringe to direct a controlled stream of water into the ear. Ear drops are often used first to soften the wax, making irrigation easier and more comfortable.
b) Ear suctioning
Ear suctioning uses a small suction device to physically suction out the excess ear wax. The doctor uses an otoscope to look into the ear and guide the suction tip to the blockage, sucking out the ear wax. Ear suctioning is a common method and does not usually require the use of ear drops. However, it may cause some irritation to the outer ear or eardrum.
c) Ear curettage
For impacted ear wax blockages, a doctor may need to perform ear curettage, also known as ear wax extraction. They use special instruments called ear curettes to grasp and remove the ear wax plug physically. Ear drops are used first to soften the ear wax, then the doctor uses the curettes to extract the wax. This method requires surgical skill and precision to avoid damage to the eardrum or ear canal.
In some cases, an ear wax blockage can lead to complications like hearing loss, ear pain, ringing in the ears or dizziness. See your doctor right away if you experience these or other symptoms in addition to an ear wax blockage. They can determine if further treatment is needed to avoid potential damage or injury.
Preventing Future Ear Wax Buildup
To prevent excessive ear wax buildup in the future, there are a few steps you can take.
First, avoid inserting any objects into your ears, as this can push wax deeper into the ear or irritate the ear canal. Only use cotton swabs to clean the outer ear area. Do not insert them into the ear canal.
Second, after showering or swimming, tilt your head to the side and pull your earlobe in different directions to help water drain from your ears. You can also use a rubber bulb ear syringe with warm water to gently irrigate your ears. Make sure the water drains completely to prevent infection.
Third, apply a few drops of mineral or baby oil into your ears once a week. The oil will help loosen any wax and keep your ear canals lubricated. Tilt your head to the side for a few minutes to allow the oil to soften the wax before draining.
See a Doctor
If you experience any symptoms such as discharge of pus from the ear, swelling of the ear or face, dizziness or ringing in the ears, muffled hearing, or bleeding from the ear, consult your doctor. They may need to remove the ear wax blockage or treat an ear infection. They can also check for any underlying conditions.
Regular ear exams by your doctor are also recommended, especially if you have a history of frequent ear wax blockages or ear infections. They may recommend preventive eardrops to help loosen wax or dry up a moist ear environment that can lead to blockages. As with any treatment, follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and report any problems or adverse reactions immediately.
By following these tips and getting regular ear exams, you can avoid excessive ear wax buildup and ensure healthy ear hygiene and function. Taking good care of your ears will allow you to enjoy all the sounds around you.
Conclusion
Clear out your ear blockage and improve your hearing with a simple do-it-yourself solution. Massaging ear wax out is a natural remedy that can relieve pressure, reduce ringing in the ears, and restore hearing clarity. With gentle manipulation, you can loosen the built-up wax and allow it to fall out on its own. Be patient through the process and avoid using cotton swabs or other objects that may push the wax in deeper or damage your eardrum. In a few days of regular self-massage, you should notice your hearing start to clear up and any fullness fade away. Trust in this natural method to unclog your ears and reconnect with the sounds around you. Stay consistent with the massage and your ears will thank you.
