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Hyperr Asked May 2021

Can I put vitamin E oil in my father's ears overnight to loosen up his really built up ear wax besides going to the doctor?

Jills222 Jun 2021
I had the same problem and my physician said to get OTC Debrox drops (CVS and Walgreens carry it. It’s a good earwax remover for me. I am not a medical professional so this is just my opinion on my experience with dealing with the same problem. Take care, Jill

AlvaDeer Jun 2021
NO.Never put anything into the ear without speaking to the doctor. Things that are put into the ear may look oily and in a sense they are, but Vit E is not water soluable and things in the ear should be. Otherwise the oil adds to the cebum in the ear and gums up the works more. The best thing to do when you have health questions is to check with the doctor. If this is minimal wax buildup you might consider speaking with your pharmacist. There are products that can help.

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JoAnn29 Jun 2021
I would call the doctor's office. They may have an oil they prefer. Do not put anything inside the canal. This will only push the wax farther into the canal.

There are kits and I have seen them work. There is an oil for loosening up the wax. Then a syringe that u put warm/hot water in and push the water into the ear. The water pressure loosens the wax. Best way to do it is in the shower.

Anyonymous1 Jun 2021
From my own experience of ear wax build up, only put oil into the ears if he will be heading to a doctor to do extraction within the next few days.

Putting oil in your ears blocks your ears more as it softens the wax and makes your hearing worse. But it makes it easier for the doctor to remove it. So no point making it worse for him unless it is before seeing a doctor reasonably soon to remove the wax.

Also not sure about vitamin E oil. I used specific oil from the chemist branded specifically for that purpose. Maybe check the ingredients in the one at the chemist to make sure vitamin E oil is the key ingredient.

AliBoBali Jun 2021
I recall putting clove oil in my father's ears, and also a stopper of cotton ball, after he had wax extractions done in office. He had a lot of buildup and the oil was to help soften and remove what the technician couldn't. I would think Vit E oil could work the same. I would think you'd need an extractor tool for "really built up ear wax," though. There are different kits at pharmacies or you can order online.
NeedHelpWithMom Jun 2021
Ali, that’s what mom’s audiologist said too. The oil softened the wax.
MargaretMcKen Jun 2021
My mother used to use a little warmed olive oil, then cotton wool to stop it running out, then put us to bed with that ear up. Other side the next night.

I know that they say nothing smaller than your elbow should go into your ear, but being very careful with a cotton bud works with me, after warm water has run in when I’m washing my hair. I do it each time, it stops the wax building up and getting hard.

NeedHelpWithMom Jun 2021
My mom’s audiologist suggested a tiny amount of warmed olive oil and hydrogen peroxide in her ears on a regular basis to help prevent the wax buildup.

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