Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Joinfortmill

(14,432 posts)
Sun Dec 10, 2023, 09:44 AM Dec 2023

For those with earwax buildup issues....

I've had this issue for a few years now. It's been very persistent, annoying and sometimes embarrassing, especially when people are forced to repeat themselves, sometimes several times. I've tried many remedies, all with very poor results. Six months ago, I had my first visit with my new PCP. After having my ears irrigated, yet again, he offered me this solution:

Mix equal amounts of vinegar and rubbing alcohol in a small bottle. Using a dropper, place two or three drops (I use a bit more, but not much) in each ear two to three times a week. It works like a charm. I measure how well it's working by how high I need to turn the volume on the TV.

There have been no negative side effects to this treatment.

14 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
For those with earwax buildup issues.... (Original Post) Joinfortmill Dec 2023 OP
Ty! Nt XanaDUer2 Dec 2023 #1
Thanks! emulatorloo Dec 2023 #2
I used to get frequent ear infections. Lunabell Dec 2023 #3
I also have the same probelm, but I wouldn't fix it for anything! The less I hear, the better I like it. ;) Chainfire Dec 2023 #4
what? ret5hd Dec 2023 #5
My most used word is, "Huh?" Say it enough and they just quit asking. ;) Chainfire Dec 2023 #12
i use some peroxide in each ear in the shower. mopinko Dec 2023 #6
We've (my family) ggma Dec 2023 #7
what is sweet oil and where do you find it? Amaryllis Dec 2023 #8
The last place I found it was Walgreens, ggma Dec 2023 #14
It does Joinfortmill Dec 2023 #11
white vinegar or apple cider vinegar? Amaryllis Dec 2023 #9
White Joinfortmill Dec 2023 #10
Thankjyou! Amaryllis Dec 2023 #13

Lunabell

(6,089 posts)
3. I used to get frequent ear infections.
Sun Dec 10, 2023, 10:34 AM
Dec 2023

And an ARNP in college let me in on this solution. I have only had 4-5 ear infections since then. In 40 years, and usually only when I have an upper respiratory infection.

Chainfire

(17,549 posts)
4. I also have the same probelm, but I wouldn't fix it for anything! The less I hear, the better I like it. ;)
Sun Dec 10, 2023, 10:36 AM
Dec 2023

Chainfire

(17,549 posts)
12. My most used word is, "Huh?" Say it enough and they just quit asking. ;)
Sun Dec 10, 2023, 01:19 PM
Dec 2023

I come by it honestly. My grandmother acted hard of hearing, but she could really hear a mouse fart in another room. She liked the info she gathered when people were talking around her.

mopinko

(70,127 posts)
6. i use some peroxide in each ear in the shower.
Sun Dec 10, 2023, 10:48 AM
Dec 2023

hold it in til you’re a bit dizzy, flush out in the running water. make sure they drain dry.

mine isnt so bad i cant hear, but it does bug the shit out of me.

ggma

(708 posts)
7. We've (my family)
Sun Dec 10, 2023, 10:48 AM
Dec 2023

always used sweet oil. Drop the entire bottle (they are tiny) into a cup of warm water for a few minutes, put a couple of drops in the ear and put in a cotton ball. Usually done at night so you didn't "pick" at it all day.

Does your remedy help dislodge the wax build up?

gg

ggma

(708 posts)
14. The last place I found it was Walgreens,
Sun Dec 10, 2023, 02:50 PM
Dec 2023

and I had to ask the pharmacist. He said they don't keep it on the store shelves anymore.

I did look it up and it was described as SUPER refined olive oil; which made sense to me because the neighborhood grocery stores carried it in the food aisles as well as with the aspirin and rubbing alcohol.

gg

Latest Discussions»Issue Forums»Health»For those with earwax bui...