Enter the hero of the Mediterranean pantry:

Turn over onto a towel or tissue. Let the oil (and any dissolved wax) drain out naturally. Do not stick a cotton swab in there—that just rams the wax back in.

You’re lying in bed at 2 AM. The room is silent except for the throbbing, screaming sensation deep inside your ear. It feels like a tiny goblin is trying to tunnel his way out. You don’t want to wake a doctor. You want relief now .