If you’ve ever felt that annoying, muffled sensation of a blocked ear, you’ve likely searched for a quick fix. Among the myriad of internet remedies, olive oil stands out as the most common "grandma’s cure."

The short answer is: But the longer answer—involving chemistry, anatomy, and why you might be doing it wrong—is much more interesting.

If you have been using Q-tips for years, you have likely rammed wax against your eardrum, creating a dense, keratin-hard plug. Olive oil alone cannot push this brick out. It will soften the outer layer, but the core will remain stuck. This requires irrigation or micro-suction by a doctor.

Expect noticeable results in 7 nights. Expect complete clearance in 14 nights. If your ear is still blocked on day 15, put the oil away and pick up the phone to call your doctor.

If you imagine the oil acting like paint thinner breaking down a glob of wax, you will be disappointed. Cerumen (ear wax) is a complex mixture of shed skin cells, hair, and sebum. Olive oil is a lubricant and an emollient.