Seek medical attention if attempts at home have not resolved the problem.” Here are five methods you should refrain from using to clean ear wax.Ĭlinical practice guidelines published by the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation state, “ Don’t ignore your symptoms if home remedies are unsuccessful. While it’s important to maintain good hygiene, it’s not recommended to clean your ears excessively or with specific methods that may push ear wax further into the inner ear, which can cause injury or increase the risk of infections.Ĭotton-tipped swabs can remove some wax, but they often simply push the wax deeper into the ear and may worsen an impaction or traumatize the ear canal. Hydrogen peroxide causes tiny bubbles in ear wax, which helps to clear up blocked ear canalsĬolloidal silver has potent antimicrobial properties, and using colloidal silver as ear drops can reduce itching and ear infections linked to ear wax buildup.īoth grapefruit seed extract and oregano oil extract soften ear wax and contain potent antimicrobial substances that kill harmful yeasts and bacteria linked to recurrent ear infections.įive methods you should never use to clean your ears Placing 2-3 drops of olive oil into the ear canal loosens up impacted ear wax and helps with clogged ear canals.įlushing out the ear with a hydrogen peroxide and water mixture has been found to effectively reduce excessive ear wax. However, excessive ear wax build-up can lead to ear wax impaction and ear blockages, which can cause hearing loss and ear pain.įour ways to get rid of ear wax 1. Most of the time, ear wax is harmless and actually protects from ear infections. If you are prone to ear wax buildup, it may be best to reduce your coffee intake.īest and worst ways to get rid of ear wax Berg, “which can cause increased ear wax production and may lead to ear blockages.”Ĭaffeine-rich products can cause a narrowing of the tiny blood vessels in the inner and outer ear, which triggers earwax production. “Although not fully understood how, it’s believed that food intolerances, especially lactose intolerance and gluten intolerance, can trigger inflammation,” says Dr. There is evidence that some individuals are sensitive to dairy products and dietary gluten and that consuming dairy foods and gluten-containing food triggers the excessive buildup of ear wax. In fact, this study published in the Journal of Diagnostics found that ear wax buildup is a reliable predictor of chronically high blood sugar. Sugary food and refined carbs, including white bread, cake, cookies, pancakes, or crackers, quickly enter the bloodstream and raise blood sugar levels and insulin.īecause insulin directly triggers the production of androgens, consuming sugar and refined carbs can raise testosterone and estrogen, which stimulates sebaceous gland activity and ear wax buildup. Reduce these foods that cause ear wax Sugars and refined carbs

Research published in Clinics Journal suggests a healthy and balanced diet rich in essential nutrients and omega-3 fatty acids support normal ear wax production and promotes ear health. Dietary habits can significantly impact hormonal balance and trigger excessive production of ear wax. Sebaceous glands in the inner ear are regulated by a range of hormones, including testosterone and estrogen.

Yes, your diet can potentially affect the production and consistency of ear wax.

Impacted ear wax symptoms