How To Naturally Clean Your Ears

Your ears can become clogged for a variety of reasons. For example, as a result of excess earwax or because too much water gets in (from swimming in the pool, for example). What is the best way to clean your ears?

In this article, we’ll look at some natural home remedies that you can use to get rid of ear congestion   and prevent discomfort, hearing loss, and possible infections.

Why do ears get clogged?

One of the most common causes is often a respiratory infection that targets the upper respiratory tract, as is the case with sinusitis or the common cold. The connection to the nasal passages of the inner ear becomes filled with mucus and can cause the ears to become clogged.

The second cause is the accumulation of earwax, especially when there is a thick blockage that can only be removed with tools and sufficient knowledge.

As mentioned before, contact with water can also cause the ears to become clogged. Therefore, swimmers are more likely to suffer from the problem of water accumulating in the internal ear canal if they do not use earplugs.

This also explains why people tend to get stuffy ears during the summer months. They then go swimming more often in the pool, sea or river, without paying attention to the water that can enter the body.

If you are at a height that is different from what you are used to, you often suffer from blocked ears. This is why people who frequently travel by air can suffer from ear plugs, especially during takeoff. It also occurs during travel to places several meters above sea level.

How to clean your ears and get rid of clogged ears

When earwax starts to build up before the ear is completely filled, you can clean the ears with certain home remedies:

Alcohol and vinegar

Mix equal amounts of alcohol and vinegar. Then tilt your head and drop a few drops into the ear using a pipette. Tilt your head for 5 minutes so it can’t run out. Then put a cotton ball in your ear and keep your head straight again.

Hot water and olive oil

Another option is to mix a few drops of warm water with olive oil or baby oil. Drop a few drops into the ear using a pipette. Then tilt your head for 5 minutes so it can’t run out.

Remove any excess fluid that may come out of the ear with a cloth. Rinse with warm water to soften the earwax. Finally, dry it gently with a towel.

In any case, you should resist the temptation to use cotton swabs. These can make the earwax more compact and thus form a blockage sooner.

Chewing gum or a candy

When ears get clogged from a trip or flight due to a difference in pressure, you can relieve it by chewing gum or sucking on a candy. Collecting a good amount of saliva in the mouth and swallowing it once can also help relieve pressure.

Another good option is to keep the mouth wide open and force a yawn if possible. The air can balance the pressure. You can also pinch the nose and keep your mouth closed to close off the nasal cavity. Don’t do this too hard, though, as you could damage the eardrums.

Steam bath

If the ears have become clogged from a cold or sinusitis,  you can clean your ears with  a steam bath. This is a perfect solution.  Inhaling the steam will not only help the ears, but will also relieve the nose.

If you add a few drops of lavender oil or eucalyptus with a little salt, you will see even better results. Blow your nose a few times with a tissue to rid it of excess mucus and relieve general congestion.

hydrogen peroxide

You can also use hydrogen peroxide. Use a few drops of it in the clogged ear, in addition to the means we have already mentioned.  It is best to do this lying on your side. Clearing the ear can take a few minutes.

Humidifier

If the blockage is a result of living in a dry environment, you can install a cold water vaporizer or humidifier in your room. This will help dissolve the mucus that has accumulated and clear your ear and nose.

Jug or other heat source

A home remedy that has been used for years (passed down from generation to generation) is to put warm water in a bottle and seal it tightly. You can also clean your ears by using a pitcher. The more modern folks may prefer an electric pillow.

Lie  with your ear on the bottle/jug/electric pillow.  Within a few minutes you will feel the earwax start to run.

Finally, it is also advisable to see a doctor if your ears remain blocked and none of these remedies seem to be effective.

It is important not to apply them too often. You could also have a more serious ear problem. The safest thing to do is to consult your doctor for advice.