[Russ_Boston]

I agree Trudy.

True story: About 2 months ago my daughter was using Q-tips to clean her ears and her husband walked by unaware that she was cleaning her ears. He bumped her hand playfully and she shoved that Q-tip up against her ear drum. Fortunately it didn't tear the drum but it was damaged and it took her almost a month to completely recover. She was LUCKY!

Clean your ear with your pinky covered with a tissue or cloth. That keeps the wax out of others sight but protects your valuable ear canal.

[K9-Lovers]

As my mother aged, her ears exuded more wax than when she was younger. Her doctor told us to use baby oil or mineral oil, warm it slightly, and pour into the affected ear. After a few minutes, lay down with that ear facing downward and let the oil drain onto a a double-folded towel. The warmed oil melts and removes the wax. This may take several treatments. Just be sure not to make the oil too hot, test it like a baby bottle on the inside of your arm.

The earlier post about alcohol and peroxide works well to maintain cleanliness and to avoid another waxy build-up.

Good luck!

[downeaster]

Originally Posted by Talk Host

Please be very careful about dispensing and following amateur medical advise. There is no substitution for a professional medical evaluation.

Absolutely!

Also agree with TrudyM, nothing smaller than your pinky in the ear.

[islandgal]

On Dr. Oz's TV program yesterday, he demonstrated ear wax removal using baby oil, resting on that ear for a few minutes, then removing with one of your fingers covered with a soft towel or something soft like a tee shirt.

[lizbell]

I go to Dr. Christopher Bald of Ocala Ear, Nose & Throat. He is located at 2120 SW 22nd Place in Ocala. He takes care of ear wax for me - it is painless and he is very entertaining !

[2BNTV]

I have a cogenital ear wax buildup that requires a cleaning every six months.
I have experienced pain if this procedure is not performed in a timely manner and have had my ears clogged like wearing earplugs, (the loss of hearing was very noticeable to me). I go to an ETN specialists to have this done.

During these visits, I was informed by an ENT doctor never to stick anything in your ear like Q-Tips because if inserted too far, there is a possibility of eardrum damage.
In addition, when taking a shower, it is advisable not to let the shower spray hit your ear directly as the force of the spray could also cause a damaged ear drum.

Hope this helps someone.

[NebraskaRon]

Thanks, 2BNTV --

I have exactly the same condition and I agree with everything you said.

Be wary of advice for home remidies -- they do not always apply.

[SALYBOW]

Have someone blow in your other ear.....