The ear canal produces cerumen, which can be grey, orange, or yellow. In addition to protecting the ears from germs, dust, and other unwanted objects, it also cleans them. Under typical circumstances, earwax spontaneously exits the canal and enters the ear hole.
But when wax becomes built up, plenty of methods exist to remove it. But not all of them are risk-free. Here are several tried-and-true methods for removing ear wax.
Do’s of Ear Wax Removal
To avoid hearing issues, you should follow these proper practices in ear wax removal:
Rely on Your Earwax’s Inherent Abilities
Many people now clean their ears as part of their regular personal care regimen. Ear wax, on the other hand, isn’t filthy or dangerous; rather, it’s a natural, healthy substance that protects your ears from dirt and debris. Therefore, allowing wax to fall out of your ears naturally is the best action.
Wear Over-the-ear Headphones
Because they impede wax’s normal migration to the outer ear and push it further into the canal, earbuds and pods can induce cerumen impactions. Consequently, choose over-the-ear headphones instead of those fitting into your ear canal.
Use Drops to Soften the Wax
Several ear drops are available without a prescription to aid in the clearance of ear wax. You can use a gentle cloth or a shower to wash the ears once the wax has softened.
As directed on the packaging, you can safely use these ear drops, which often contain glycerin or hydrogen peroxide. If you tend to get ear wax accumulation, applying these drops daily will keep your ears from being completely clogged.
Visit a Doctor if You Suspect a Cerumen Impaction
You should contact a doctor if you experience fullness or blockage in your ears or if your hearing is impaired. An otoscope lets a medical professional see inside your ear and detect any problems. They may remove cerumen impaction wax using specialized equipment without causing any harm.
Also, two common methods for eliminating earwax include using warm water to wash the wax out and mild suction.
Don’ts of Ear Wax Removal
There are common practices you may have done before that were harming your ears, so you should avoid them.
Avoid Using Q-tips
In most cases, using a Q-tip to remove ear wax makes things worse by pushing the wax deeper into the ear canal, which can cause cerumen impaction. The eardrum and ear canal are both vulnerable to damage by Q-Tips. Avoid putting Q-tips in your ears, no matter how tempting they seem.
Do Not Stick Your Fingers in Your Ears
Even while fingers aren’t the best choice for ear canal irrigation, some people find they work just as well as Q-tips. A cerumen impaction can be caused by using a tool similar to a Q-tip to press the wax deeper into the canal. Another potential source of infection in the ear canal is scratching with one’s fingernails.
Stay Away from Ear Candles
A lengthy tube lined with wax is introduced into the ear, and its exterior is set on fire during an ear candling treatment. The theory behind ear candling is that using heat to create suction can help remove earwax.
On the other hand, this method rarely works. On occasion, it exacerbates cerumen impaction. Burns, infections, and eardrum injuries are among the worst side effects that ear candling can induce.
Never Insert a Sharp Object into Your Ear Canal
People can remove their ear wax with the use of certain equipment that is specifically designed for that purpose. Unfortunately, the eardrum and ear canal are vulnerable to abrasion and puncture from these tools due to their sharp and pointed design.
For a safer approach, consult a medical expert with the training and equipment to carefully remove excess ear wax instead of inserting these into your ear canal.
Take Care of Your Ears
Earwax Removal can always be done safely. So, now that you learn the do’s and don’ts of earwax removal, be mindful of how you clean your ears.
Also, contact your otolaryngologist or ear doctor for a no-cost health evaluation if you suspect ear wax buildup; there’s no risk other than giving this consultation a few minutes. And so, following all the do’s, you can guarantee healthy ears and clear hearing.
