Ear problems  are something I see at least 1-2 times weekly, so I felt inspired to post a primer on how to handle common issues at home before calling the doctor.

1. Avoid using  Q-tips or cotton swabs.   Q-tip use is common and effective.  However, Q-tips can compress cerumen or wax in your ear leading to hearing loss.  Compressed wax is deep into the canal and usually overlies the tympanic membrane or eardrum.  Moreover, it is very dry  and difficult to remove either at home or in the doctor’s office.  You can apply Debrox or Murine ear drops inside the ear for 10  minutes daily for 5 days to soften the wax to where it is easily removed, but your hearing may be compromised for that time period.

2.  Avoid using sharp objects (i.e. tooth picks, needles or pins) in the ear.  The canal and eardrum are delicate and puncture is possible.

3.  Use alcohol or peroxide to avoid swimmer’s ear.  Patients frequently come in the office with ear infections after swimming in a pool.  One way to avoid it is to use Auro over-the-counter ear drops in each ear after swimming.  An even cheaper way is to mix hydrogen peroxide  with lukewarm water at a 1:1 ratio (mix together 1 tablespoon of each in a small dish) and place a few drops  in one ear and wait at least 2 minutes. Then follow the same instructions for the other ear.

4.  Wash ears at home to prevent hearing loss due to dry compacted wax/cerumen.  Dry compacted wax is the most common ear issue I see.  I experience the same problem.  Use either olive oil,  or over-the-counter Debrox or Murine ear drops to soften earwax.  I prefer Debrox.  Lie down one side and drop a 2-3 Debrox drops into the opposite ear, and continue to lay on the unaffected side for at least 15 minutes.  Then turn over and allow the Debrox to drain out of one side while placing more ear drops into the opposite ear and wait another 15 minutes.  Once finished, fill a bulb syringe with lukewarm water.  Bulb syringes come in an ear care kit sold in pharmacies and supermarkets.  Then gently flush the affected ear out 1-2 times while using a towel under the ear to catch the water.  Turn over and follow the same instructions for the other ear.    Perform this process once weekly.  Afterward, you may hear a roaring sound in the ear, and that means water remains in the ear canal putting you at risk for ear infections.  To resolve the issue, combine rubbing alcohol and water at a  1:3 ratio and apply a few drops into the affected ear. (1:3 ratio means you will combine a 1/3rd cup of rubbing alcohol with a 2/3rd cup of lukewarm water)   Avoid alcohol if your ear hurts or bleeds.  Drain the ear on a towel 2 minutes after using the solution and the roaring will resolve within an hour.  The combined liquid readily evaporates anything left behind.

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