Self-Care at Home
The patient may attempt a few methods for earwax removal at home, except when there is a perforation (hole) or ear tubes in the eardrum.
Over-the-counter wax-softening drops, such as carbamide peroxide (Debrox, Auro, Murine) or warmed mineral oil, can be placed in the affected ear and allowed to drain out after about five minutes.
A bulb-type syringe may be used to gently flush the ear with warm water. An online device called Ear-Clear is available for warm-water irrigation. Avoid using forced water, like a Water Pik, as it may damage the eardrum.
Ear candling is not recommended. It involves using a hollow cone made of paraffin and beeswax with cloth on the tapered end. The tapered end is placed inside the ear, and an assistant lights the other end while ensuring your hair does not catch fire. In theory, as the flame burns, a vacuum is created to draw out the wax. However, limited clinical trials showed no vacuum was created, and no wax was removed. Furthermore, this practice may lead to severe injury.