How to soften hard earwax

Nov 20, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

Recently, when cleaning my ears, I noticed the earwax was very hard and caused some pain during removal. I'd like to ask: how can I soften hard earwax?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lu Cheng
In general, to soften earwax, it is important to keep the ears clean and minimize bacterial growth inside the ear. You can use warm water to wash the ears once nightly, which helps make earwax easier to expel. Lubricants such as coconut oil or aloe vera oil may also be used to soften earwax. Apply a few drops of oil into the ear and gently massage the area to help the oil penetrate and soften the wax, aiding its removal. Note that these procedures should be performed under a doctor's guidance to avoid improper handling that could cause physical harm. If symptoms do not improve with the above methods, prompt medical attention is recommended to facilitate recovery.