Learn about what will dissolve ear wax and how to dissolve ear wax at home

Your ears usually make just enough ear wax to protect the ear canal from water and infection. Sometimes, your ears may produce more wax than usual. Although it isn’t medically necessary to remove this wax, you may wish to do so and ask what will dissolve ear wax?

A good way to check if you suspect you have a wax build up is with an ear scope camera, also known as an otoscope, like the models made by ScopeAround. If the wax has hardened and is difficult to remove you can buy over-the-counter ear drops like Debrox or you can use some home remedies like olive oil, alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide to soften and dissolve ear wax at home. Here, we will discuss how to dissolve ear wax at home using these options and whether they actually work.

Does hydrogen peroxide dissolve ear wax?

Dissolving ear wax with hydrogen peroxide has been considered an effective ear wax removal method for many years. Carbamide peroxide is a common form of hydrogen peroxide in ear drops. These drops release oxygen in the earwax, causing it to bubble. The addition of oxygen softens the earwax, making it easier to remove.

Does olive oil dissolve ear wax?

Olive oil has some antibacterial properties and is a healthy oil to use in your diet, and although there have been a few studies none seem to support the belief that olive oil dissolves ear wax. Olive oil may add a bit of lubrication to the ear and make it easier for a doctor to remove the wax, but it does not appear to dissolve the wax.

Does alcohol dissolve ear wax?

Isopropyl alcohol does not dissolve ear wax, but it does displace water so if you have moisture in your ear canal, you can dry it out by flushing with a few drops of alcohol. Bacteria like to grow in moist environments so that could prevent a bacterial infection, but this has nothing to do with dissolving ear wax.

What if it doesn’t work?

Ear drops including over-the-counter products like Debrox only soften ear wax, they don’t remove it completely. A modern approach to earwax removal is to use a digital otoscope with a wax removal attachment.

ScopeAround makes a number of devices that are safe to use because you can see inside your ear the entire time you are using the device. Digital otoscopes have integrated LED lights to illuminate the ear canal and help the tip of the otoscope avoid your eardrum.

If you want to know how to remove ear wax safely at home, the digital otoscope is the best method. The soft silicone-tipped spoon attaches to the end of the otoscope and that combined with the camera gives you the perfect tool to scrape out pieces of earwax. Shop ScopeAround otoscope cameras today!

 

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