How To-4: "How to Unclog a Clogged Ear"

How to Unclog a Clogged Ear

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Ear wax is a common and natural cause of clogged ears. Here are some instructions on how to safely unclog the affected ear.

Steps

1. Take a small bowl, and add some warm water.
   
2. Add an equal or slightly lesser amount of hydrogen peroxide.
   
3. Fill the ear syringe with this mixture.
   
4. Lie on your side, and insert a small amount of the mixture into the affected ear with the syringe. (unaffected side to the "down side")
   
5. Remain lying on your side for 5 to 15 minutes. You should be able to hear the Hydrogen Peroxide bubbling in your ear.
   
6. Place the second small bowl under your ear when the bubbling stops, and turn your head to drain the ear into the bowl.
   
7. Refill the syringe, and with the bowl under your ear, squirt the mixture into your ear with a slight amount of pressure. You should be able to feel the pressure from the liquid, but don't squeeze the syringe so hard that it causes pain. Repeat this step until you are out of the water/peroxide mixture.
   

Tips

• Using boiled water (allowed to cool down of course) helps reduce the risk of ear infection!
  
• Heating the peroxide may help. Fill a sink with hot water, and place the bottle of peroxide in the hot water for a few minutes before performing procedure.
  
• It is best not to use a 'waterpic', or other mechanized water jet. If you cannot hear due to ear clog out of one or the other ear, it is best to see your health professional (a doctor, nurse practitioner or physicians assistant) at your local health clinic.
  
• There is also a special product you can buy for the same purpose. Works great!
  
• A simple mix of white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide and mineral oil, 1/3 each in a small bottle fitted with a eyedropper will clear out your ears with less mess. Squirt a few drops daily into your ears and the hydrogen peroxide will fizz and "scratch " that impossible to scratch itch, kill off any infection and start to break up ear wax, the white vinegar will also soften ear wax and create a hostile place for infection and the mineral oil will help flow the ear wax out. This is an excellent treatment for pets with ear problems especially older dogs with heavy wax problems and ear sensitivity.
  

Warnings

• Don't do this if you have experienced recent head trauma or air travel.
  
• This procedure is intended to remove natural ear wax from ears. If there is a foreign object obstructing an ear, consult a doctor.
  
• Placing cotton in your ear while lying on your side may help to prevent spills. (Never force the cotton into the ear canal, just 'snug' it into the outer ear opening, and be sure to lay with the ear being treated on the UP side.)
  
• Do not try this if there is any opening in the eardrum. (ie. ruptured eardrum, or tubes)
  
• Make sure when using the syringe to insert the mixture, there is enough room around the tip of the syringe for air to escape from your ear.
  
• Do NOT try to attach any kind of 'needled dispenser' to the syringe! At no point should any part of the syringe enter the ear.
  
• For your comfort, make sure the water is warm, as cold water will cause a violent reaction. Squirting cold water in the ear is how comatose victims are tested for consciousness.
  

Things You'll Need

• 2 small bowls (1 to contain the cleaning solution and fill the syringe the other to catch the drained solution.)
  
• Hydrogen Peroxide 3%
  
• Water
  
• Ear Syringe (can be purchased at your local pharmacy)
  
• cotton
  

Related wikiHows

• How to Clean Ear Wax from a Behind the Ear Hearing Aid
  
• How to Get Rid of Ear Wax
  
• How to Clean Your Ears
  

Sources and Citations

• eHow to Care for Swimmer's Ear
  
• eHow to Get Rid of Swimmer's Ear
  
• eHow to Treat Ear Infections in the Wilderness
  
• eHow to Use an Ear Thermometer
  
• Why Ear Candling Is Not a Good Idea
  

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