To eliminate excess wax in the ears, various natural remedies, such as olive oil, are often recommended in the popular sphere.
Earwax is a natural substance that our body produces. An excess of earwax is what causes the formation of the annoying wax plugs. This substance has an important barrier function preventing the entry of bacteria. It also acts as a lubricant, preventing dryness and itching.
Wax plugs formed by excess earwax can end up blocking the ear canal and, therefore, affect our hearing, generating hearing loss or hearing loss.
Inadequate cleaning is, curiously, the main cause of the formation of wax plugs in the ear. An excess of soap, as well as the use of swabs, can alter the natural process of cleaning the ear, generating an overproduction of wax.
The overproduction of wax can have health consequences and, of course, affect the sense of hearing.
Symptoms of wax earplugs
The most common symptoms associated with the presence of wax plugs in the ears are:
- Earache: Earplugs can cause pain in the ear canal, which is where earwax builds up. Usually, the discomfort is not very strong.
- Autophony: When a person has wax plugs in their ears, they often find that they hear their own voice when speaking.
- Ringing sounds: they do not appear in all cases, but it is possible that the plugs in the ears generate annoying beeping sounds, even the known tinnitus or tinnitus, even causing dizziness.
- Hearing loss: it is the symptom that will indicate that there are wax plugs in the ears. This hearing loss disappears the moment we remove the plug.
Natural medicine
In the popular sphere, a series of natural remedies are usually recommended to remove wax plugs from the ears. However, it is most advisable to consult the doctor before using them, in order to avoid possible counterproductive reactions.
1. Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea is a drink that is recommended to alleviate various discomforts, given its anti-inflammatory properties.
To make the infusion, we put a tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers in a cup with boiling water and let it rest for several minutes. Then, when it is warm, we dip a cotton ball in it, turn the head to one side and pour a few drops into the plugged ear. Although it is true that there is no scientific evidence in this regard, so the best thing, in these cases, is to go to the doctor to solve our ear problem.
2. Saline solution
It is also recommended to apply a saline solution to the plugged ears. To make it, it is said that you must add a tablespoon of salt to half a cup of warm water. Then, once the salt has dissolved, a cotton ball is soaked in the liquid and the procedure is repeated as with the chamomile infusion.
3. Olive oil
Both almond and olive oil are very effective natural lubricants to relieve earaches, as they allow them to be cleaned and prevent infections due to excess earwax. It can also help improve ringing.
But, as they point out from this article published in the Revista Enfermería del Trabajo, there is no evidence in the scientific literature in favor of the use of one or another substance to remove wax from the ears, but they recommend applying a few drops of olive oil 3 times a day for 2 or 3 days before removing a wax plug.
The first thing you should do is warm the olive oil, this way you will facilitate draining. Make sure not to overheat the oil because you can damage the inner ear. Then we put the oil in a dropper bottle, which allows us to administer the appropriate amount.
With the head tilted to the opposite side of the plugged ear, we pour two drops, keeping the head in that position for a few minutes.
4. Echinacea infusion
If the wax plugs are associated with a cold, it can help us, taking infusions of plants with antibiotic properties, such as echinacea, which can help us, although there are no scientific studies on it.
To prepare the infusion, we put a teaspoon of dried echinacea flowers in a cup of boiling water. We let it rest covered for ten minutes, after which we strain it and it is ready to drink. It is advisable to take two or three infusions a day.
Avoid using swabs
For ear hygiene, swabs are not recommended as they can irritate the skin of the ear and cause other issues. Instead, the most recommended option is to use ear drops, which help to soften and loosen the earwax and to follow its natural course.