Taking care of your ears is essential for maintaining good hearing health. However, many people need help to clean their ears properly. Improper ear cleaning can lead to hearing problems, infections, and even hearing loss.
Many products are advertised for ear cleaning, from cotton swabs to ear candles. However, our ears have built-in systems for cleaning themselves. The best way to ensure your ear canals are healthy and functioning is to avoid interfering with these natural processes. However, see a doctor if you notice ear pain, ear fullness, or hearing changes. Here are some do’s and don’ts when clearing your ears.
Symptoms of Impacted ear wax
Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a natural substance produced by the body that helps to keep the ears clean. It collects dirt, bacteria, and other debris and usually comes out of the ears when you chew or move your jaw.
For most people, their ears clean themselves, and they don’t need to do anything. But sometimes, wax can build up and affect their hearing. This is called impaction.
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- Symptoms of impaction may include:
- Aching in the affected ear
- Fullness or ringing in the ear
- Impaired hearing in the affected ear
- Odor coming from the affected ear
- Dizziness
- Coughing
Factors like using hearing aids or earplugs, getting older, and the shape of your ear can lead to a lot of earwax. Older adults and people with developmental disabilities are more likely to have this issue.
Don’t use cotton swabs to clean the inside of your ears
A common mistake many people make when cleaning their ears is using cotton swabs. While using cotton swabs outside your ear is okay, you should never stick them deep inside your ear canal. A cotton swab can cause severe damage to your ear because it can push earwax further down the ear, slow the natural process of earwax removal, and result in an eardrum injury.
Swabbing or sticking pointy objects inside your ear can cause other serious problems:
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- Infection
- Rupture of the eardrum
- Significant hearing loss
Do: Try a Warm Washcloth
To clean your ears safely, you can use a damp washcloth. Just use a warm, damp washcloth to clean the outside of your ear. Then, use a dry washcloth to gently dry your ears. Doing this regularly can help keep your ears clean and lower the chances of getting ear infections.
Don’t use ear candles to remove wax
Using ear candles to clean your ears is one of the worst ways. Even though they might seem like a good idea, they can be dangerous. The FDA has found that they can cause burns and hurt the inside of your ear. There’s no proof that they work – they don’t create enough suction to pull the wax out of your ear. Therefore, avoiding using ear candles to clean your ears is best.
Do Get Ear Drops
Consider using ear drops instead of ear candles. You can buy over-the-counter ear drops designed for softening and removing ear wax. However, do not use them if you have an active ear disease or suspect a perforated eardrum.
How often should I clean my ears?
It’s best not to clean your ears too frequently. Cleaning them too often can irritate or worsen things by pushing wax further into your ear canal.Your ears are typically pretty good at cleaning themselves, so you usually don’t need to do much. If you need to clean them, focus on the outer part by gently wiping them with a damp washcloth. This should remove any wax that has come out on its own.
How to protect your ears
Remember these tips to protect your ears and keep your hearing healthy:
1. Avoid putting small objects in your ears. Nothing smaller than your elbow should go in there because it can hurt your eardrum or cause wax buildup.
2. Protect your ears from loud noises. Wear earplugs or earmuffs when it’s too noisy
3. Take breaks from using headphones and keep the volume at a reasonable level.
4. Dry your ears after swimming to prevent swimmer’s ear.
5. Pay attention to any changes in your hearing when taking medications and see a doctor if you notice any issues.
6. If you experience sudden pain, loss of hearing, or an ear injury, see a doctor right away.
These simple tips can help keep your ears clean and healthy. It’s important not to overclean them. It’s better to let the ears clean themselves naturally to maintain proper hearing and overall health. If you’re concerned about any issues beyond excessive earwax, please contact our clinic today.