Using olive oil for ear health is an age-old home remedy, but does it actually work? And more importantly, is it safe?

The oil's thick consistency allows it to penetrate and coat hardened wax, reducing its dryness and making it easier to break down.

Here is why olive oil is effective:

The primary legitimate use of olive oil in the ear is to soften hardened earwax. Cerumen, the medical term for earwax, is a natural secretion produced by glands in the outer ear canal. It serves protective functions: trapping dust and debris, lubricating the skin, and possessing mild antibacterial properties. Normally, jaw movements from talking and chewing gradually migrate old wax to the ear opening, where it flakes away or is washed off. However, in some individuals—or due to practices like using cotton swabs—wax can become impacted, leading to hearing loss, a feeling of fullness, tinnitus, or dizziness.