Putting oil in your ears has been a home remedy for earaches, ear infections, and earwax buildup for generations. Some people swear by olive oil, baby oil, mineral oil, or over-the-counter ear drops to soften, loosen, and flush out earwax. However, experts warn that putting oil in your ears can do more harm than good if not done carefully and correctly.
What is earwax?
Earwax, also known as cerumen, is produced by glands in the outer part of the ear canal. It is a sticky substance made up of dead skin cells, hair, and lubricating oils. The purpose of earwax is to trap dirt, dust, and other particles to keep them from reaching the eardrum. The wax also has antibacterial properties to fight infections.
Normally, old earwax falls out of the ear canal and is replaced by new wax. But sometimes, the old wax can build up and harden, causing blockage and hearing loss. This is called impacted cerumen. Putting oil in the ears is thought to help soften and dissolve the built-up wax so it can drain out.
Is it safe to put oil in your ears?
The risks and safety of putting oil in your ears depends on the type of oil used, how it is applied, and whether you have any medical conditions involving the ears. Here are some general guidelines:
- Olive oil – Considered safe and effective for softening earwax. Apply 2-3 drops in each ear, let sit for 10 minutes, then tilt head to drain.
- Mineral oil – Safe for earwax removal. Apply several drops in each ear, keep head tilted for 5-10 minutes to help drain.
- Baby oil – Contains mineral oil along with fragrances. Avoid using in ears.
- Over-the-counter ear drops – Products containing carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide are made specifically for earwax removal. Follow package directions.
- Essential oils – Oils like tea tree or eucalyptus can cause allergic reactions or burns inside the ear canal and should never be put into the ears undiluted.
It is not recommended to put any type of oil in the ears if you have:
- An ear infection
- A ruptured eardrum
- Had recent ear surgery
- A tube in the eardrum
Oil left in the ear too long can lead to infection. Only a few drops should be used at a time.
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if you are experiencing:
- Ear pain or discomfort
- Hearing loss
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Dizziness
- Ear drainage or discharge
- Coughing or gagging when using oil
A doctor can examine your ears and safely remove built-up earwax if needed. Do not attempt to remove earwax yourself with items like cotton swabs, bobby pins, or ear candles, which can damage the ear canal.
Home remedies for earwax removal
Here are some home remedies for softening and removing earwax buildup:
Olive Oil
Olive oil is a popular choice for DIY earwax removal. The oil helps soften and break up the wax so it can drain out of the ear.
- Warm up a small amount of olive oil to room temperature.
- Use an eyedropper to put 2-3 drops of olive oil into each ear.
- Lie on your side with the oiled ear facing up. Wait 10-15 minutes.
- Tilt your head to drain out the oil and wax. Repeat on the other side.
You can also soak a cotton ball with olive oil and place it at the outer ear entrance to keep the oil in place longer.
Hydrogen Peroxide
The bubbling action of hydrogen peroxide can help dislodge earwax and flush it out of the ear canal.
- Dilute 3% hydrogen peroxide solution with an equal amount of water.
- Use an eyedropper to put several drops of the diluted solution into the affected ear.
- Keep your head tilted for about 5 minutes, then drain onto a tissue.
- Repeat daily as needed until wax buildup clears.
Do not use hydrogen peroxide if you have an ear infection or ruptured eardrum.
Mineral Oil
Mineral oil is able to penetrate and soften dry, hardened earwax.
- Lie down with the clogged ear facing up.
- Use an eyedropper to apply several drops of mineral oil into the ear canal.
- Keep your head tilted for around 5-10 minutes to allow wax to soften.
- Turn your head to drain out the oil and wax onto a tissue.
- You may need to repeat the process for a few days.
Saline Solution
A saltwater mixture can help draw out earwax and prevent wax buildup.
- Mix 1 teaspoon of salt with 1 cup of warm distilled, filtered, or boiled water.
- Allow the solution to cool to room temperature.
- Use an eyedropper to apply 2-3 drops in each ear.
- Keep your head tilted for 5-10 minutes, allowing the solution to drain out.
- Gently blot any remaining solution with a tissue.
Repeat 1-2 times per week to maintain ear hygiene and regularly flush out wax.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is thought to break down wax deposits. However, take care when using vinegar in the ears.
- Dilute apple cider vinegar with an equal amount of warm water.
- Use an eyedropper to put 2-3 drops of the diluted vinegar into the clogged ear.
- Keep head tilted for 5 minutes before draining onto a tissue.
Only use this remedy occasionally. Vinegar can irritate the delicate skin of the ear canal with frequent use.
When to see an ENT doctor
See an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist if you have:
- Pain or discomfort in the ear
- Sudden hearing loss
- Drainage or bleeding from the ear
- Dizziness or ringing in the ears
- Earwax buildup that does not improve with home remedies
An ENT can properly examine your ears and determine if there is blockage from earwax or another underlying problem. They have specialized tools to safely and effectively clean out earwax if needed.
Professional ear wax removal
If earwax buildup persists despite home treatments, your doctor may recommend professional ear cleaning. Methods include:
Ear irrigation
Ear irrigation involves flushing warm water into the ear using an irrigation tool to wash out wax.
Ear curettage
This technique uses a small scoop or curette to gently scrape out built-up earwax.
Suctioning
A small suction tip is inserted into the ear to vacuum out soft, loosened earwax.
Microsuction
An ENT uses a special microscope and suction device to precisely remove impacted wax. This is considered a very safe and effective method.
Preventing earwax buildup
To help prevent excessive earwax from accumulating:
- Avoid sticking cotton swabs or other objects into the ears – This can pack wax deeper into the ear canal.
- Use silicone earplugs – These don’t absorb wax like foam plugs.
- Have earwax removed periodically – Recommended every 6 to 12 months.
- Apply preventive ear drops – Products containing carbamide peroxide help soften and remove wax.
Conclusion
Putting a few drops of certain oils like olive oil or mineral oil in the ears can help soften and remove earwax. However, many experts warn that oil should only be used to treat minor wax buildup, and not as a long-term solution. See a doctor if earwax persists despite home treatments. An ENT can safely and effectively remove blockage and determine if any underlying problems are present. With proper ear hygiene habits, excessive wax buildup can usually be avoided.