Ear Wax Removal – How to Clean Your Ears (Best Practices)
Do you need ear wax removal? Well, in this video I’m talking about how to clean your ears. Coming up!
SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel for weekly videos!
Hi, I’m Dr. Derek – audiologist, audio engineer, and musician with ProFitHearing.com bringing you the best insight in today’s latest hearing aids, headphones, and audio technology to improve your life. If you have concerns about your hearing, always consult with your local physician or audiologist.
Today, I’m talking about how to clean your ears.
Ear Wax Removal
We may all have excess cerumen (or ear wax) from time to time, but it can especially be a problem when using hearing aids or earplugs. Inserting these devices into your ear canal can cause ear wax to build up.
First if you’ve experienced a sudden change in hearing, ear pain, ear fullness, vertigo, or ear drainage, consult with your doctor as soon as possible.
So the first thing that I recommend is that you DO NOT use a cotton swab to clean your ears. It’s only OK for cleaning around the outside of your ear.
Pushing a cotton swab into your ear canal will likely push the wax deeper down inside. This could cause the wax to become impacted and make the situation even worse. Plus, there is a danger of accidentally pushing in too far and injuring your eardrum. The old advice still holds true: Don’t put anything in your ears smaller than your elbow!
I also don’t recommend ear candling. Ear candles can lead to burns, wax drips onto the ear, or even damage to the ear drum.
Ear Wax Removal Options
So, if you believe you have a buildup of ear wax, you have 4 options.
Option #1
Do nothing. You can just let your ears clean themselves. Ear wax should slowly work itself out of your ear canal and fall out of the ear. Ear wax naturally protects our ears from debris and bacteria. However, ear wax should be removed if it’s impacting your hearing.
Option #2
Call your primary care physician for an evaluation. Many offices offer ear wax removal with an ear lavage, and your doctor will determine if it’s appropriate for you. Your doctor can look into your ears, possibly apply some ear wax softening drops, and then use an ear lavage to rinse out the wax.
Option #3
Contact an Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor or ENT. You may be able to self-refer or need a referral from your primary care physician. An ENT has access to special tools like an ear microscope, suction device, and curettes which can include wire loops and scoops to remove your ear wax. A visit to an ENT will give you a thorough cleaning, but an ENT appointment might be reserved for more complex ear cleaning like severe impaction, for people with a history of ear surgery, or for those with other medical conditions.
Option #4
Ask your physician if it’s OK to use an ear wax removal kit from your local pharmacy. Your physician will know your specific medical situation and whether it’s OK to proceed with an over-the-counter solution for self cleaning.
Ear Wax Removal – Question of the Day
So, for today’s question. Have you experienced ear wax buildup, and how did you resolve it? Let’s connect in the comments below!
Connect with Pro Fit Hearing on social media. Be a part of the Pro Fit Hearing community!
If you’re interested in hearing aids, click HERE for my free ebook “How to Buy Hearing Aids.” Know what to ask your audiologist or hearing aid dispenser so that your hearing aids are easy to use and have all the features you’re looking for.
Remember Pro Fit Hearing brings you the best insight today’s latest hearing aids, headphones, and audio technology to improve your life. If you have concerns about your hearing, always consult with your local physician or audiologist.
-Dr. Derek