Does Putting Olive Oil in Your Ear Help Tinnitus?

It is generally accepted that applying olive oil to the ears is safe and could be a good way to treat symptoms including fullness, tinnitus, ear pain, and partial deafness from wax accumulation in the ears. Though safe, according to recent studies, olive oil isn’t useful in treating any of these conditions, including tinnitus. 

Additionally, it seems less successful in eliminating earwax than ear drops sold over the counter intended to do the same. Consequently, there is no particular recommendation for using olive oil to cure tinnitus.

How Long Does Olive Oil Take to Work in Ears?

In most circumstances, ear drops alone will remove an earwax plug. Put two or three drops of regular olive oil in each ear twice or thrice daily for two to three weeks 1. This softens the wax, eventually draining out without endangering the ear. You can carry on.

For however long you like, although three weeks is usually sufficient. You might be surprised to learn that wax won’t necessarily emerge. It seems to emerge unnoticed most of the time.

If you are prone to recurring wax buildup, use olive oil drops twice weekly to prevent it from happening again. 

Related: Should You Ear Drops For Tinnitus?

Is It OK to Put Olive Oil in Your Ear?

People of all ages frequently utilize olive oil as a natural cure for treating their ears. The oil has many advantageous qualities and, in certain situations, can aid in removing earwax plugs that accumulate when there is an excess of earwax 2.

It is not advised to use it in some situations, particularly if there is an obvious medical condition, as the heated oil may exacerbate ear inflammation and perhaps cause temporary deafness. It’s always a good idea to consult a doctor if the discomfort doesn’t go away or if there’s a high fever because ignoring the issue could harm the auditory system.

How Long Should Olive Oil Be Left in the Ear?

Typically, earwax slips out on its own. You may attempt to extract it if it fails to do so and accumulate, obstructing your ear.

To take out earwax accumulation:

• With the affected ear facing up, lie on your side.
• Apply two to three drops of either olive or almond oil to your ear; if you have an allergy to almonds, avoid using almond oil.
• After adding the oil, stay on your side for another five to ten minutes.
• For 3 to 5 days, repeat 3 to 4 times daily.

Earwax lumps should come from your ears, and your symptoms should improve in approximately two weeks. Ear candles and ear vacuums do not appear effective in removing earwax.

Related: Zencortex Customer Reviews and Complaints-Is It A Good Product For Tinnitus?

When Should You Not Put Olive Oil in Your Ear?

In small amounts, olive oil is generally safe for ear use. On the other hand, one should never put anything in the ear, including olive oil, if they have an eardrum rupture.

Side effects from rinsing the ear with olive oil include skin irritation, dizziness, itching, and outer ear infections. Avoid using this cure if you are allergic to olives or olive oil.

It’s imperative to exercise caution while administering this homemade medicine to kids. The use of hot olive oil could burn the infant therefore, avoid it.

Can Ear Wax Cause Tinnitus?

Excessive earwax might exacerbate the symptoms of earwax impaction if treatment is not received 3 . Tinnitus, ear discomfort, hearing loss, and other problems are possible symptoms. An accumulation of earwax may also make it difficult to look into your ear, which could lead to possible problems if left untreated.

Related: Major Causes Of Tinnitus: Can It Be Cured?

Does Olive Oil Destroy Ear Wax?

Olive oil can undoubtedly help remove wax, but it works best when paired with other methods like microsuction, which is what our professionally trained Earworx Registered Nurses offer.

Can I Put Olive Oil in My Ear Every Day?

Although there isn’t enough proof to say that olive oil works wonders for common ear issues alone, you may still give it a try and see for yourself, as there are no major health risks involved.

Use a glass dropper or dunk a cotton swab into olive oil, and let the excess fall into your ear, then apply drops to it. Never put anything in your ear, not even a cotton swab.

Olive oil can be used at room temperature, although some people like to reheat it in a skillet over low heat. Be sure to take a skin temperature reading beforehand. It should not be heated; it should be merely warm.

To properly apply olive oil to your ears at home, follow these instructions:

With the affected ear facing up, lie on your side.

• To open your ear canal, gently pull the outer section of your ear back and up.
• Drizzle two or three drops of olive oil into your earhole.
• To aid the oil entering your ear canal, gently massage the area before the opening.
• Take five to ten minutes to remain on your side. When you sit up, wipe away any excess oil from your ear.
• If necessary, repeat in the other ear.

Adapt the program to your needs, and get in touch with your physician if the intended outcomes don’t materialize:

• To remove ear wax, do this once a day for a week or two. If you’re not feeling any better by then, contact your doctor. Recall that using olive oil in your ears regularly may cause even more wax accumulation.
• Do this twice daily for two to three days to cure an ear infection. See your doctor if, after a few days, your symptoms don’t get better or if you start to feel feverish.

How to Use Olive Oil for Tinnitus?

To enable the olive oil to spread along the ear canal, it is recommended to use a dropper and lie on one side for a few minutes. Any excess from the outside of the ear can then be wiped off with a tissue.

How is Ear Wax Linked to Tinnitus?

An accumulation of excess earwax can cause hearing loss, ringing in the ears, and discomfort. Tinnitus is a condition that manifests as this ringing feeling. Others cannot hear it because it is not an external sound.

Key Takeaways

While applying olive oil to the ears is harmless, there isn’t any proof to support its claims that it can effectively treat tinnitus or other earwax-related problems, including hearing loss or ear pain. Furthermore, research indicates that ear drops sold over the counter intended to remove earwax are more effective than olive oil. Therefore, even though olive oil might be a safe choice, it is not a suggested or effective treatment for tinnitus. It is best to get medical assistance from a specialist if you have tinnitus or similar symptoms to receive recommendations on more efficient therapies.

References

1. NHS. “Earwax build-up.” NHS.
2. British Tinnitus Association. “Tinnitus and Ear Wax.”  British Tinnitus Association.
3. Cleveland Clinic. “Ear Wax Buildup & Blockage.” Cleveland Clinic.