There are numerous traditional ways to clean ears. You can use cotton swabs and spray ear cleaner or join the bandwagon that prefers using ear candles. However, others think that cleaning their ears is a waste of time.
But wait! Are you aware that your ears have a self-cleaning mechanism? Ears don’t require additional cleaning. You need to clean them to get rid of the excess earwax from the external ear canals. So, knowing how to clean the ears properly is essential to avoid complications. If you think you have ear problems, make sure you visit an expert.
Self-Cleaning Mechanism of the Ears
Ears can clean themselves. How is this possible, though?
The earwax or cerumen is a natural self-cleaning component that a human body generates. Its work is to gather dirt, bacteria, and debris. This earwax will get out of the ears via jaw movements and chewing. For this reason, ear cleaning is not a necessity. Nevertheless, it may be required because of earwax accumulation that can hinder your hearing ability. It might also cause earwax blockage known as impaction.
Signs of Impaction
Common signs that look out for if you have an ear impaction include:
- Ringing sounds in the ear
- The smell from the ear
- Dizziness
- Pain in the ear
- Coughing
- Hearing impairment
- Dizziness
Individuals who use earplugs or hearing aids are vulnerable to excess earwax. Moreover, people with developmental disabilities might be at risk because of the irregular shape of their ear canals. This hinders the natural earwax extraction procedure and may lead to blockage.
Proper Ways to Clean Your Ears
Idyllically, the safest way to get rid of earwax accumulation is by seeing a professional. During the extraction procedure, the expert may use equipment like suction gadgets, forceps, or a cerumen spoon to remove the blockage.
If you want to clean your ears on your own, here is a guide for safe ear cleaning:
Wipe the Ears with a Damp Washcloth
Even though cotton swabs are safe to use, they tend to force the earwax deep into the ear canal. Physicians recommend using cotton swabs to clean the external part of the ear. A damp washcloth is among the safest options.
Softening the Wax
There are many over-the-counter products that help in softening the wax. Eardrops contain ingredients like peroxide, baby oil, hydrogen peroxide, mineral oil, glycerin, and baby oil. All these ingredients are required to soften the wax.
The package will have instructions on how to use the product. However, it would help if you put a couple of drops in the ear canal, let it rest for a short while, and then drain them to clean the ear.
Clean Your Ears with Ear Spray
A spray ear cleaner comes with a nozzle for spraying the cerumenolytic solution into the ear canal. It is one of the gentlest and simplest ear cleaning methods available. Put the spray at the entrance of the ear canal and press the nozzle to apply the solution. Massage the ear gently to optimal effectiveness. Tilt your head to force the liquid out of your ear and wipe off the solution residue.
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