What is the best formula for regular maintenance of a dry and itchy ear canal?
- Koorosh Nejad
- Mar 23
- 4 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
The short answer is almond oil. Almond oil is one step better than olive oil if you are looking for a gentle moisturiser for regular use in your dry ears. Continue reading to learn more about how to look after your ears better.
Earwax build-up can be uncomfortable, leading many people to use an olive oil spray to soften and loosen the wax. However, almond oil provides additional benefits, particularly for individuals with dry or irritated ear canals. This guide explores who might benefit from almond oil over olive oil and why it could be a better choice for aftercare.
Almond oil versus olive oil
Feature | Almond Oil | Olive Oil |
Main Benefit | Hydrates and soothes the ear canal | Softens and loosens earwax |
Anti-Inflammatory Properties | Yes – helps reduce irritation | No |
Moisturising Effects | Deeply hydrating – ideal for dry skin | Moderate hydration |
Earwax Removal Support | Helps soften wax, but primarily for ear health | Effective for breaking up wax |
Best For | Aftercare, dry skin, post-earwax removal | General earwax softening |
Almond oil offers hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties. While it can help soften earwax, its primary advantage lies in its ability to moisturise the ear canal and soothe irritation, making it particularly useful for:
a. soothing the irritation in dry ear canals
b. aftercare following earwax removal procedures.
Almond Oil vs. Olive Oil: Key Differences
1. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Sweet almond oil contains natural anti-inflammatory compounds, making it an excellent choice for:
Reducing irritation after clinical earwax removal
Soothing sensitive ears
Helping patients prone to inflammation
Olive oil, while effective for wax softening, does not have these same anti-inflammatory benefits.
2. Superior Moisturising Effects
Almond oil is deeply hydrating, making it ideal for people with:
Dry, flaky skin inside the ear canal
Eczema-prone ears
Post-procedure ear care needs
Olive oil provides some moisture but lacks the same level of hydration.
3. Ideal for Aftercare, Not Just Wax Softening
Unlike olive oil, which is primarily used to break down wax, almond oil is also recommended for use after professional earwax removal to:
Keep the ear canal hydrated
Prevent post-treatment dryness
Reduce inflammation
Can almond oil help with ear eczema?
Almond oil is one of the best natural formulas for dry ear canals or those with mild eczema in the ear and ear canal. However, my best advice is to consult with your GP before using almond oil for severe eczema.
Why do my ears build up so much earwax so fast?
The ear canals of different people can be quite different from each other. People with narrow, hairy, dry and bendy ear canals experience excessive build-up of earwax faster.
My ears need microsuction every 6 months. How can I reduce the need for such frequent treatment?
You cannot do much about the anatomy and condition of your ear canals if they are narrow, bendy and hairy; however, you can help them if they are too dry. Here are some tips:
Keep your body hydrated, drink enough water, and avoid too much coffee or other beverages that make your body dehydrated.
Apply almond oil to your ear canals weekly to maintain the moisture of the ear canals at the needed level.
Keep active; dancing, jumping, and other activities can help the earwax to slide out. Remember, there is no positive force mechanism for the earwax to slide out. If the ear canal is moist enough, the earwax keeps sliding out due to the structure of the ear canal, which slopes outwards. That's why, besides talking and chewing food that massages the ear canal, dancing, running, and any physical activities also encourage the earwax to slide out.
Avoid earplugs. Anything that you put in your ears pushes the earwax deep into the ear canal. I understand that sometimes it is inevitable to use earplugs for sleeping, swimming and so on, but you can replace music buds with overhead headphones. For those with hearing aids, there is no option to oil the ear canals regularly if you experience dry ear canals or excessive earwax buildup.
Is it normal to have an itchy ear after a microsuction?
Part of the earwax wax which is deep inside the ear canal, is often very dry. The reason is that the deeper in the ear canal, the warmer it becomes, hence dated ear wax deep in the ear canal can be quite dry. Often removing dry earwax leaves dry, exposed skin in the ear canal, which can be itchy. Also, when cleaning the ear canal, the suction may remove some of the dead skin in the ear canal, leaving fresh skin in the ear canal that may cause feel a bit itchy. The best way to treat your ear canals after a microsuction ear wax removal is to apply 2-3 drops of almond oil for 2-3 days post the procedure.
Which formula is better for post-ear wax microsuction, olive oil or almond oil?
Almond oil is a much better treatment for the dryness and healing of the ear canal after ear wax removal with microsuction.
When I use my hearing aids, my ears feel itchy. Why?
It is very likely because your ear canals are dry. A dry ear canal is not able to slide the earwax out regularly. The result is that the earwax stays in the ear canal and gets dry. Dry earwax mixed with dry skin keeps pressing on your ear canal when you talk, chew food, make any facial expression or when you place the receiver of the hearing aid in the ear canal. The feeling is an itchy ear canal. This is more severe when you push the rubber dome of your hearing aid in, as it presses the dry earwax onto your skin.
Using sweet almond oil a couple of times a week softens the earwax and restores a moist environment in the ear canal, and will ease the itchy feeling.
I should emphasise that if you have skin sczema in the ear canal or Dermatitis or other skin conditions, the best thing is to consult with your GP.
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