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| Earwax Earwax is one of the natural secretions of the body that protects the eardrum from dust, and it also keeps the ear canal lubricated. But if too much wax is produced, it can build up, become hard and dry, and block ear canal. Using a cotton swab to clean the ears can cause wax to become impacted and contribute to blockages. A buildup of wax can cause hearing loss, discomfort, and a feeling of fullness in the ear, so it has to be periodically removed.
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Home Remedies | - Put 2-3 drops of warmed olive oil or almond oil into the ear canal. Wait 10
minutes for them to be absorbed, and then wipe off any excess oil. Repeat the process 3 times a day for 5 days. This will lubricate the ear passage and soften the wax for easy removal. - Put a few drops of mild hydrogen peroxide solution (about a 3 percent
solution) to dissolve the wax.
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Do's | - Try eardrops containing a wax solvent.
- Dry the inside of your ear with a hair dryer set on low after showering or
shampooing your hair.
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Don’ts | - Do not use cotton swabs, bobby pins, or other objects to clean the ear.
- Do not try to remove earwax if you have ear pain or a discharge that looks
different than earwax, if you suspect a ruptured eardrum, if you have had ear surgery, or if you have tubes in your ears.
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See Doctor | - Ear still feels as if it is blocked after trying self-help measures.
- Develop an earache or a pus discharge from the ear.
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