Olive Oil in Ear: Can It Help with Ear Wax and Ear Infections?

Using olive oil as a home remedy for earwax removal and ear infections has become quite popular. People often believe that it helps loosen hardened earwax, making it easier to clean out, while also soothing and hydrating the skin inside the ear.

But does this actually work, or is it just another myth? While applying olive oil in the ear is generally considered safe, there is limited scientific evidence to confirm its effectiveness in clearing earwax or treating infections. Advocates of this method argue that it’s a much safer option compared to using cotton swabs, which can accidentally push earwax further into the ear canal or even risk damaging the eardrum.

In this article, we’ll explore whether olive oil can help with earwax and infections, understand the science behind it, and hear what experts say. We’ll also explain how to use olive oil in the safest way possible if you choose to try it out yourself.

Introduction to Olive Oil

Olive oil is a natural oil, extracted from the olive, native to the Mediterranean region and widely used as everyday oil for thousands of years. It’s made by pressing whole olives and comes in various forms, such as extra virgin olive oil (the least processed and most nutrient-dense) and refined olive oil (which undergoes more processing). 

Rich in healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fatty acids, olive oil is well-known for its numerous health benefits. Full of antioxidants, vitamins and anti-inflammatory properties that make it a key ingredient in cooking, skincare, and even alternative medicine. In fact, the use of olive oil extends beyond the kitchen, it's also commonly used as a natural remedy for various illnesses, including dry skin, hair care, and, as we’ll explore, ear health.

The History of Olive Oil as a Health Property

Olive oil is so widely used for cooking, but it was created with several other uses in mind. Olive oil an ancient ingredient believed to have been used since 4000 BC, the first olive dates back as far as present-day Turkey. Olive oil was used by these ancient civilisations for its powerful health benefits as medicine, skincare product, hygiene products and were even burned in oil lamps (replacing the sludge from animal fats) as well. But while many of these uses remain today its most popular use is in the kitchen. 

What Causes the Build-up of Ear Wax?

Ear wax, also called cerumen, is a natural substance produced by the glands in your ear canal. The ear is protected by the hair from dust, dirt and other known causes that are harmful to it. In a perfect condition, ear wax will slowly work its way through the ear canal and then fall out. But sometimes ear wax builds up becomes hard and causes blockage or generates pain in the ears, resulting hearing loss even infections.

Factors that can lead to ear wax build-up include:

Earbuds or hearing aids: Wearing earbuds or hearing aid full time can prevent the natural exit of ear wax and leads to accumulation.

Age: As people age, the consistency of ear wax changes and can become drier, making it harder for it to move out of the ear naturally.

Shape of ear canal: Certain people have narrower ears than others, so right side may be slightly inhibited in its ability to expel wax.

Can Olive Oil Help Remove Ear Wax?

Olive oil is a really great way to keep your ears healthy. It may sound surprising, but the British National Health Service (NHS) also advises in favour of olive oil stating that it is a proven method to carry out ear wax removal at home. The idea of using olive oil in this manner to help the health of your ears may seem odd, but it is one that has a long tradition and uses.

Dr. David Hiltzik, an ENT specialist, says, “Olive oil can be a useful home remedy to soften ear wax, but it’s important to use it correctly. You should avoid overuse and make sure the ear is not infected before applying any oil-based remedy.” You can read more about ear wax removal techniques here.

The Science Behind Olive Oil’s Benefits for the Ear

But what makes olive oil work so well for ear health? Olive oil is advantageous in your ear simply because it helps soften up the wax. Cerumen, or earwax is naturally hydrophobic like oil-like water its repelling magnets of sorts. It can be an issue when earwax becomes hard and set, as it cannot be rinsed out with water alone.

The emollient properties of olive oil solve this problem. When dripped into the ear canal, it can soften hard earwax and allow the cerumen to come out more easily.

Here’s how it works:

Moisturising your ear canal: Olive oil helps to moisturize the skin of the side of the ear canal, it acts as a lubricant thereby reducing irritation and itching.

Wax Softening: It penetrates the hardened earwax, softening it and making it easier to remove naturally or with the help of an ear care professional.

Lubrication: Olive oil provides a gentle layer of lubrication, making it easier for clumps of wax to move toward the outer ear, where they can be safely cleaned away.

How to Use Olive Oil for Ear Wax Removal?

If you decide to use olive oil to help with ear wax removal, here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

Make the olive oil a bit warm: Warm but not too hot, its heat should be gentle enough to avoid burning your delicate inner-ear skin. Try heating the bottle in a small bowl of warm water.

Positioning for Effective Treatment: Doing this permits oil to penetrate deeply into ear channels. The ear you are treating will need to be the one facing up.

Use of a dropper: Add 2–3 warm olive oil drops in your ear using the dropper. Let the oil settle for a few minutes.

Massage the area: This is an ear massage for yourself so gently rub around your ear and it will help oil go deeper in wax.

Drain out the oil: Turn your head to the opposite side so that all this freshly loosened wax and oil pours out.

Repeat: You may need to repeat this process for a few days, depending on the intensity of the wax build-up.

Can Olive Oil Help with Ear Infections?

Some people are even known to use olive oil for ear infections as they believe the antibacterial properties can help in lessen swelling, redness, pain, or discomfort. But is there any truth to this claim?

How Do Ear Infections Happen?

 When bacteria or viruses invade the ear canal and cause inflammation and fluid accumulation, it can lead to an ear infection. Olive oil does contain moderate anti-inflammatory compounds and potentially offers short-term relief from symptoms (like pain). In any case, olive oil itself does not have scientifically proven antibacterial or antiviral properties to treat ear infections.

Dr. Joseph Gilmore, an otolaryngologist, explains, “Olive oil may offer some comfort by reducing irritation in the ear, but it’s not a cure for ear infections. If an ear infection persists, it’s vital to seek medical advice.”

Applying olive oil in the ear during an infection may provide warmth and soothe the pain momentarily, but we do not suggest you to be as the major problems against infections its solution. Ear infections are usually treated with antibiotics, especially if the infection is bacterial. Olive oil may alleviate the pain, but if the infection persists or become severe it is best to consult a doctor.

What are the Risks of Using Olive Oil in the Ear?

1. Increase of Infections

People with an ear infection or a burst eardrum must refrain from using olive oil as this could retain bacteria and moisture in the ear, which will cause more procedures.

2. Allergic Reactions

Although not so common but a handful of people may be allergic to the compounds in olive oil resulting into irritation, redness or swelling of your ear canal.

3. Increased Wax Build-Up

Frequent and excessive use of olive oil can result in ear wax gathering over time, leading to blockages that are even more difficult. The key is to use with restraint and as needed.

4. Temporary Hearing Loss

When the olive oil is mixed with earwax but not drained effectively, it can on occasion be responsible for causing a partially abnormal obstruction of the auditory canal until you wash out both the oil and wax.

How to Safely Put Olive Oil in Your Ears?

A Step-by-Step Guide

If you are feeling like using olive oil for earwax removal, firstly know the methods to be employed so that it serves effective and safe. To get the most out of this guide, here are 5 simple steps:

1. Prepare the Olive Oil

To begin, select quality olive oil and make sure that it is clean. You do not require some fancy oil such as the Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) but just a cooking grade that is pure without any additives or harmful substances. Warming the olive oil to body temperature can make this more comfortable but be careful not to overheat it.

2. Get Comfortable Lying on Your Side

Place the painful ear upwards and lie on one side. This action will prevent the oil from leaving and enable it to fully spread inside the ear canal.

3. Apply the Olive Oil Drops

Apply 1-2 drops of the heated olive oil into the ear canal with a clean dropper Do not use too much oil, you only need a few drops. You should use a dropper which is free from bacteria, and this can only be possible with the usage of sterile means.

4. Gently Massage the Ear

After applying the oil, gently massage the outer part of your ear (the tragus) to help work the olive oil deeper into the ear canal. This can help the oil reach and soften any hardened wax inside.

5. Let the Oil Sit

Stay in this position for 5-10 minutes to give the olive oil time to work. The oil will soften the earwax, making it easier to remove naturally or during ear irrigation later.

6. Wipe Away Excess Oil

Wait for a couple of minutes, and then sit down to clean the exterior ear using tissue or towel. If your ear was highly waxy you may want to do this for a few days

7. Allow the Wax to Come Out

When using ear drops, over the coming days you may find wax clumps have broken down and work themselves out of your ears. After a few treatments, warm water can be used to irrigate the ear gently and help remove any loose wax.

What are Some of the Options for Removing Ear Wax other than the Olive Oil?

Over-the-counter ear drops Many pharmacies have specially formulated eardrops to soften the wax in your ears. Such are even more powerful than olive oil.

Manual removal: This can be done by a doctor and often involves special instruments. This always however should be done by a healthcare professional as to not harm the ear.

Hydrogen peroxide: Apply diluted hydrogen peroxide to break down ear wax; however, you need to be careful with this remedy as it might irritate the skin.

When to See a doctor for Build-up of Ear Wax?

Home remedies such as olive oil can sometimes deal with minor ear wax build-up, but the following are circumstances when you should see a doctor:

Continuing ear pain: Ear pain that persist more than a couple of days, could be an indication for infection or other concerns.

Hearing loss: If you have sudden or severe hearing loss, consult expert for it.

Fluid draining: does fluid leak from your ear? If you notice fluid draining from your ear, this could be a sign of an infection, and you should seek medical attention.

Fever: If a fever is associated with ear discomfort, this can mean an infection that might need medical care.

People Also Ask

How long does it take for olive oil to dissolve the ear wax?

Olive oil often takes around 2 or 3 days of regular application to begin softening the accumulated ear wax. Individuals often notice improvement with consistent application. For complete dissolution, it is important and often recommended to ensure the daily use of olive oil in the plugged ear for a week until the ear is free of wax.

Can olive oil help with ear pain that are due to ear infections?

Olive oil may provide temporary relief from ear pain due to underlying ear infections by soothing and comforting the ear canal. However, it does not treat the ear infections, causing the pain to recur as the infection increases. It is important to visit an otorhinolaryngologist, also known as an ENT health specialist, to treat both ear infections and the pain that occurs due to it.

Conclusion

Olive oil is a natural oil, extracted from the olive, native to the Mediterranean region and widely used as everyday oil for thousands of years. It’s made by pressing whole olives and comes in various forms, such as extra virgin olive oil and refined olive oil. Olive oil is well-known for its numerous health benefits. Full of antioxidants, vitamins and anti-inflammatory properties that make it a key ingredient in cooking, skincare, and even alternative medicine.

Ear wax, also called cerumen, is a natural substance produced by the glands in your ear canal. The ear is protected by the hair from dust, dirt and other known causes that are harmful to it. Factors that can lead to ear wax build-up include the use of earbuds, advancing age and the shape of an ear canal.

Olive oil is a really great way to keep your ears healthy. The British National Health Service (NHS) also advises in favour of olive oil stating that it is a proven method to carry out ear wax removal at home. Olive oil is advantageous in your ear simply because it helps soften up the wax. When dripped into the ear canal, it can soften hard earwax and allow the cerumen to come out more easily by moisturising the ear canal, softening the ear wax and lubricating the tract for smooth removal. When bacteria or viruses invade the ear canal and cause inflammation and fluid accumulation, it can lead to an ear infection. Olive oil does contain moderate anti-inflammatory compounds and potentially offers short-term relief from symptoms (like pain). In any case, olive oil itself does not have scientifically proven antibacterial or antiviral properties to treat ear infections.