How to Remove Earwax Safely

Our ears need earwax, or cerumen, to clean, coat, and protect our ear canals from dirt and bacteria. It’s a normal part of our body’s defenses, and there’s often no need for us to clean out our ears regularly. However, some people experience earwax blockage, which happens when the wax builds up in your ear and doesn’t wash away naturally. If you believe you’re experiencing a blockage, making an appointment with an earwax removal service can be paramount. They can then help you safely remove earwax in the following ways.

Why Your Ears Make Wax

If you’re wondering why your ears make wax, you’re not alone. It’s a natural process that prevents infection in the ear canal and kicks out dirt. This process is controlled by a part of the TMJ joint that moves back and forth within the ear canal. The wax eventually falls out.

There are various treatments for this condition. Some people try over-the-counter drops or kits that flush out earwax. Another method involves using mineral oil in the external canal to soften the wax. The oil will then break up the wax, allowing it to fall out. In severe cases, it may be necessary to see a doctor who will prescribe a special treatment.

You can also attempt to clean the ear yourself by placing drops of alcohol in it. Alternatively, you can use a hair dryer set to low and put a clean cloth over your ear. It’s important not to use water that’s too warm or cold as this can cause dizziness. Once the wax has been softened, your healthcare provider can remove it manually using forceps or a suction device.

The reason your ears make wax is that they function to cleanse the ear. The wax is formed in the outer part of the ear canal near the external opening. While this wax may be irritating, it also plays an important role in the health of your ears. By removing it safely, you can keep them healthy and free from wax.

Pollen, dust, and environmental pollutants can also irritate your ears. In these situations, you should wear ear protection to avoid irritation or infection. Lastly, lifestyle habits can trigger the over-production of earwax.

Should You Clean Your Ears?

If you have wax buildup inside your ears, it can be extremely painful and can cause other health problems. It can also cause a persistent cough and odor. It is important to seek medical care if you notice any of these symptoms. While some people do clean their ears themselves, it is generally safer to leave the cleaning to a trained professional. This type of professional has special tools to safely and effectively remove wax and dirt from the ear canal. They are also trained to recognize health problems that can occur during the cleansing process.

While it can be tempting to use a cotton swab to clean your ears, earwax is an important barrier to keep bacteria and debris out. It also keeps the ear moist and is rich in chemicals that fight infections. But cleaning your ears too often can damage the delicate wax coating that protects the inner ear.

The best time to clean your ears is at least twice a month. Regular bathing is also a good way to keep them clean. But some people have a problem with too much earwax, which can lead to hearing problems. The key is to avoid using chemicals that can damage your ears and cause further problems.

The process of cleaning your ears isn’t as complicated as it sounds. There are a variety of products available, including ear wax removers, cotton swabs, and ear candling. These products will remove excess wax and earwax and prevent further damage.

How to Clean Your Ears

Whether you’ve had an ear infection or just want to remove earwax, it’s essential that you know how to remove it safely. If you don’t do so, you risk impaction and could be damaging your eardrum. If you’re worried that you’re going to injure yourself further, consult an ENT.

There are many methods of removing earwax. You can try ear candling or using wax removal products. The oil can soften the wax and make it easier to remove.

One method that can safely and effectively remove earwax is using a saltwater solution. This solution is made by dissolving a half teaspoon of baking soda in two ounces of warm water. You can use a dropper bottle to apply it to your ear. To use this solution, tilt your head to one side and then drip five or 10 drops into the ear. Repeat this process with the other ear.

Another way of removing earwax is by using hydrogen peroxide. The solution is very effective at removing even the most stubborn wax. Mix the solution with water and place it in your ear. Leave it in there for one to two minutes and then drain it onto a paper towel.

Using essential oils can also soften the wax and help it drain out of the ear canal. To apply essential oils, you can put some in an ear dropper and hold it in the ear for up to three to five minutes. After that, tilt the bottle to drain the oil.

Use a Curette: Best way to clear your earwax

As tempting as it can be to use cotton swabs to clear your earwax buildup, it can do more harm than good and can cause cotton swab hearing damage. Rather than using cotton buds, many experts use a long, curved tool known as a curette, or cerumen spoon. This tool is generally recommended for small amounts of easy-to-reach or visible wax. It’s also often a preferred tool for children.  

Flush It Out

Once a hearing specialist has ruled out foreign objects in your ear, sometimes with an otoscope instrument, their preferred remedy for earwax blockage might be ear irrigation. This procedure is performed with a syringe-like tool that inserts water or saline into your ear to flush out the wax.

While many pharmacies offer at-home ear irrigation kits, there can be dangers associated with performing this task yourself, such as infection, vertigo, and a perforated eardrum. Always consult a healthcare professional before trying any ear care products at home.

Medicated Ear Drops

Hard ear wax can be problematic for many people, especially as it can cause feelings of fullness in the ear, earache, decreased hearing, and even dizziness. Hearing specialists might recommend medicated ear drops to soften the wax and make it easier for natural removal in the future.

When you should clean out earwax

There are many ways to safely clean out your earwax. Earwax builds up naturally in your ears, and when it gets too thick, it can even affect your hearing. It’s best to clean out the earwax with a soft washcloth or tissue, avoiding the inner ear. However, it’s important to remember that you should never use objects that are smaller than an elbow. These small objects could puncture the delicate eardrums, which are surrounded by a thin layer of skin.

Depending on the size of your ear canal, it can take several tries for the excess to fall out. Oil therapy can be useful in removing excess wax. Using a cotton ball to soak up the oil will help prevent oily residue from getting on your pillowcase. Also, you can use hydrogen peroxide or earwax softener kits to soften earwax.

Cleaning your earwax is a great way to relieve ear pain and prevent infection. It will also prevent you from getting earaches and pain, which can both be unpleasant symptoms. It’s also important to remember that your earwax is actually a natural cleanser of your ears. It works to remove dirt, hair, and dead skin cells. It can also have antibacterial and antifungal properties, so it’s important to keep it clean and healthy.

However, cleaning your ear too frequently can be harmful for your hearing. It may also irritate your ear canal, resulting in more earwax impaction. If you don’t have an ongoing buildup of earwax, you may not need to clean out your ears regularly. Usually, your ear canal cleans itself. But, if you notice an excessive buildup, you should clean your ear out with a washcloth or syringe.

What to Avoid During Earwax Removal

With such a vast array of earwax removal products on the market, it can be tempting to save a consultation fee and take care of the buildup yourself. However, self-care for such a delicate part of your body is not typically recommended.

Never use cotton swabs or any harsh liquids, as these might result in wax being pushed further into your ear and severe damage. It’s also vital to avoid over-cleaning your ears, as hard as that might be when you’re cleaning every other part of your body. Over-cleaning might cause an infection, ear canal irritation, and an increased chance of impacted wax.

Candling methods are also becoming popular, but studies show they aren’t safe. Candling involves inserting the pointed end of a candle into your ear and letting it burn to pull out earwax and impurities.

Marketers of this practice say it is beneficial for earwax buildup, hearing problems, vertigo, tinnitus, and other ear-related problems. However, it might actually exacerbate your ear-related issues. The FDA has also found no scientific evidence to support this method’s effectiveness, but people who practice it might experience burns, ear canal blockages, and perforated eardrums.

Earwax buildup can be uncomfortable, especially if it affects your hearing, balance, and ability to live life to the fullest. However, by making an appointment with a hearing specialist for expert treatment and avoiding home remedies, you can be on your way to safe earwax removal in no time.