How to Clean Your Ears

Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a naturally occurring substance in the ear canal that helps protect the ear from foreign particles and infection. However, when there is an excessive buildup of earwax, it can cause discomfort, hearing difficulties, and even infections. Therefore, it is important to know how to clean your ears safely.

In this blog, we will discuss the correct way to clean wax out of your ears.

1. Don’t Use Q-tips Contrary to popular belief, Q-tips are not an effective way to remove earwax. In fact, using them can push the earwax further into your ear canal, leading to blockage and even injury. So, it’s best to avoid using Q-tips altogether.
2. Use Over-the-counter Ear Drops Over-the-counter ear drops (Debrox) are an effective way to soften earwax, making it easier to remove. These ear drops contain mineral oil, hydrogen peroxide, or glycerin, which help break down the wax. Simply tilt your head to one side, place a few drops of ear drops in your ear, and gently massage the area around your ear to ensure the drops reach the ear canal. After a few minutes, tilt your head in the opposite direction to let the earwax and ear drops drain out.
3. Try Irrigation If ear drops are not effective, you can try irrigation. This involves using a bulb syringe or an earwax removal kit to flush out the earwax with water. Fill the syringe with warm water, tilt your head to one side, and gently squirt the water into your ear canal. Allow the water to sit for a few seconds before tilting your head in the opposite direction to let the water and earwax drain out.
4. Seek Professional Help If you experience severe earwax buildup or are unable to remove it yourself, it’s best to seek professional help. A doctor can use specialized tools to remove earwax safely without causing injury.
   

In conclusion, cleaning your ears is an essential part of maintaining good ear health. However, it’s important to do it the right way to avoid injury and further complications. By following these tips, you can effectively clean wax out of your ears and keep them healthy.