How to Clean Your Ears Safely at Home

It is said that you should clean your ears only with “your elbows”. This is of course to say that self/untrained ear cleaning is not advised because you could end up doing more harm than good while attempting to incorrectly clean your ears. We will discuss and describe the safe techniques for cleaning ears in a safe manner but ideally ear cleaning should be done at an ENT / audiology clinic by trained medical professionals.

Introduction to Ear Cleaning

Our outer ear comprises of the pinna, auditory ear canal and tympanic membrane. Together they help to funnel the sound into the middle ear and also enhance certain frequency aspects of the sound through resonance of the ear canal.

Earwax is secreted in the ear canal as a protective mechanism to keep any dust, foreign particles, or small insects away from the eardrum. Earwax helps to keep the skin of the ear canal moisturised to prevent dry or itchy ear. Also in case water enters the ear canal, the earwax helps to avoid irritation and smoothly flow the water out of the ear canal

Any obstruction of the ear canal primarily due to earwax or foreign body will result in the sound not being conducted properly.

Best Ways to Clean Your Ears at Home Safely

Best way to clean ears at home is to use a soft cloth and wipe your ears after a warm water bath. The ear wax secreted in the ear canal has a natural tendency to flow out of the ear. This can be cleaned with a soft cloth and your little finger. If using ear buds do not insert the deep into the ear canal to avoid damage to eardrum. Change made to header.

To clean your ears effectively, follow these steps:

1 Gather Your Supplies:

• Warm water
• A bulb syringe or earwax removal kit (available at drugstores)
• Hydrogen peroxide (3% solution)
• Cotton balls or swabs (for external ear cleaning)
• Towel or washcloth
• Wash Your Hands:
• Ensure your hands are clean to prevent introducing any bacteria into your ears during the cleaning process.

2 Soften the Earwax:

Earwax, also known as cerumen, can be softened by using a few drops of warm (not hot) water or hydrogen peroxide. Tilt your head to the side and gently instill a few drops into the ear canal. Allow it to sit for a few minutes to loosen the earwax.

3 Irrigate the Ear Canal:

Using a bulb syringe or an earwax removal kit, gently flush warm water into the ear canal. Keep your head tilted to the side to allow the water and loosened earwax to drain out. Be very gentle to avoid causing any damage to your ear.

4 Dry the Ear:

After irrigation, use a clean, dry towel or washcloth to gently dry the outer ear. Avoid inserting anything into the ear canal, as this can push earwax deeper.

5 External Ear Cleaning:

You can clean the outer ear gently with a damp washcloth or a cotton ball. Do not insert anything into the ear canal; simply clean the visible part of the ear.

6 Avoid Using Cotton Swabs:

It’s essential to note that cotton swabs should never be inserted into the ear canal. They can push earwax deeper and even cause injury to the ear or eardrum.

7 Seek Professional Help:

If you experience pain, hearing loss, or persistent earwax buildup, consult a healthcare professional or an ear specialist (otologist). They can safely remove stubborn earwax or address any underlying ear issues.

8 Maintenance:

Regular ear cleaning is generally not necessary, as the ears are self-cleaning. They naturally push earwax out of the ear canal. If you have excessive earwax buildup, consult a healthcare professional for guidance on managing it.

How often should I clean my ears?

Ideally every day after a warm water bath you can clean your ears. Once a month use soliwax or waxolve ear drops for 7 days at night to soften any impacted ear wax. This will come out by itself when you have bath.

How to protect your ears

Use earplugs when swimming to avoid water entering the ear canal
In windy conditions use an earmuff to avoid dust from entering the ear canal.
Do not use ear buds or any sharp tools to clean our ears,

Conclusion:

Ear cleaning should be done only by trained medical professionals such as ENT or audiologist in an ear clinic. However daily hygiene can help you to keep you ears clean

How to Clean Ears Safely at Home: FAQ

Is it safe to clean your ears at home?

Ear cleaning is not advised to be done at home. However you can use earwax cleaning eardrops such as Soliwax or waxolve to soften any impacted wax to make it ebay for it to flow out.

What are the common methods for ear cleaning?

Using Earwax drops, Water flushing with syringe, ear suction, etc are common methods for ear cleaning

How often should I clean my ears?

A daily cleaning of the ears is recommended after warm water bath.

Can earwax build-up lead to hearing problems?

Ear wax buildup results in blocking of the ear canal and may lead to a partial hearing loss. Dry wax can cause itching and irritation in ear canal

What should I do if I experience ear pain while cleaning?

In case of ear pain while cleaning, stop immediately and consult an ear specialist. The skin of the ear canal is very sensitive and can bleed easily, also there is a possibility of ear drum damage.