Best way to clean earwax?

[gene_stl]

Well since you are goading me into replying I will mention another point. We aren't all alike in our anatomy and physiology. Similar but not identical.

One of the reasons I am OCD about keeping my ears clean is not because I think earwax has a negative effect on hearing, (which it probably does after very little accumulation) but rather because my skin will not suffer it to be there. (Hence the above reference to Fluticasone, NeoSporin, Cortisone Oinkment, or Mineral Oerl).

However for ME, ear wax remover over the counter products containing benzoyl peroxide irritate my skin even more than the earwax. I only tried them once or twice , ages ago (Debrox, still sold in the USA) I have never used hydrogen peroxide because my ears are(were) not infected. I have never told anyone else to not use these well respected products but they aren't the right thing for me.

Now I am going to say something that will drive all the "go to a professional" types crazy. I used to raise Dachshunds. My stud male had a lot of earwax and the vet gave me a product from Pfizer Veterinary called Pet Otic. It worked great on Rascal and I like the way it smelled. I use to put it on my Q tips and it REALLY got the ear canal clean. Naturally they stopped making it. (Active ingredients: Propylene Glycol , Malic Acid, Benzoic Acid , Salicylic Acid.)

I agree, This IS a disgusting thread.

 

[SimpleTheater]

Now I am going to say something that will drive all the "go to a professional" types crazy.

I almost had my ear drum punctured by a professional. I do it myself now with softening agents. Doesn't sound crazy to me.

I can't even count the number of times that professionals have misdiagnosed conditions in my area. My very good friend, who's a cardiologist, has told me "You know your body better than anyone else, don't let a professional tell you otherwise." He also mocks back surgeons, he said he'd love to tell someone before heart surgery "We've got a 30% chance of making you better, a 30% chance of doing nothing and a 40% chance of making it worse."

 

[Count Arthur]

 

[Zoomer]

Naturally they stopped making it. (Active ingredients: Propylene Glycol , Malic Acid, Benzoic Acid , Salicylic Acid.)

I admire a fearless experimenter (and his Dachshund). No doubt you managed to recreate this easy recipe in your homelab?

 

[Oldasdrt]

Like I said, 50/50 hydrogen peroxide and water, couple drops a day for 4 days,,,,let it sit in each ear for about 15 minutes, works like a charm

 

[Oldasdrt]

 

[iMickey503]

I use to have a problem with my feet, BigClive had a video on a Old WWII treatment that worked.
Same with ears. Just wash them with the shower head lightly when you shower with warm water IF IF IF your body is okay with this.

Professionals? Yea, After this last round of what Doctors have been saying, I would rather spend the time reading OLD Medical textbooks and research papers myself. there are quite a few doctors in the family and this also helps out but quite honestly you really should have a vested interest in your body just as much as people care about the gasoline that goes into their vehicles.

Just like Gene said, you REALLY have to understand that everyone is in fact different. so use whatever method that works for you.

I personally have use hydrogen peroxide straight let it bubble for a little bit and that's about it as just preventive maintenance.

I know some people have bidets but I have this really cool thing called a shower. it works wonders.
I usually just install a shower wand and that's about really all I need for basic cleaning of my ears. what bothers me most about them is that I have hair that sometimes grows in the ear canal and so I have to use tweezers because I really don't like the way it looks.

Spoiler: I can do it MYSELF!

For some reason, its funnier in spanish

 

[NoSnakeOil2]

Based on the enthusiastic response, I think it's time to start an "Ear Wax" forum.)))

 

[GXAlan]

Lol, this thread got brought up in the speaker cable post. Debrox to soften followed by irrigation is the safest way to do it. Bulb syringe is tried and true but can be tiring.

WaxBgone Ear Wax Removal Kit
https://a.co/d/dnJ7H6Q

 

[Digby]

cotton buds/q-tip

 

[Plcamp]

I use a broad exit syringe to flood with very warm water…takes up to 3 days but always works when I need it.

 

[Phorize]

I had a pair of JBL TWS pro earbuds-earwax broke one of them. I replaced them with new Crinnacle Truthear Zero. Now totally sold on the Harman IEM target. Thanks earwax, and thanks @crinacle.

 

[atomsite]

For some reason my right ear gets clogged up a lot from time to time. So I've tried many different methods... including going to the ear nose and throat specialist. If your ear smells like a nasty wet mop, it means you have an infection. Best to go to the doctor because you will need some prescription antibiotic ear drops.

That said, I've found the best method is to put 10 drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide in the ear. Then rest on the opposite side for ten minutes. Your ear is going to bubble and itch a lot. If desired, you can gently pull on your ear and/or massage it to work the solution down into the canal. Usually you don't have to. After ten minutes has elapsed, lie on the same side as your ear and let the solution drain out. Again you can gently pull/massage on the ear to help it drain. After that your ear will feel irritated. Put ten drops of earache relief drops in your ear. You can get it at the drugstore. Again lie on your opposite side. Gently pull/massage the ear if you want to work in down into the canal. After ten minutes, lie on the same side as your ear. Let the fluid drain out. NEVER put anything in your ear. Your ear will probably itch and you will be tempted to do so. DON'T DO IT. Putting something in your ear will abrade the sensitive skin inside. It will just make it worse. You can do this twice a day if you want. Repeat this for three days. Hopefully it will work for you...

 

[fpitas]

I'm conventional and use Debrox drops and the rinsing pump. Sometimes if the accumulation is large or hardened it takes a time or two. Certainly, if you expect consistent hearing, it's a must.