How to Clean Ears?
Clean Ears; Contrary to popular belief, earwax is not dirt, but a natural secretion of the body. The secretion called cerumen is secreted from the glands located in the lower part of the skin in the external ear canal.
This secretion, which protects the eardrum from bacteria, dust and dirt particles that may come from the external environment, dries by itself when it completes its function and is thrown into the auricle.
The secretion thrown into the ear canal or external auditory canal, popularly known as earwax, is called earwax.
The cleaning process that most people do at home with ear sticks or ear cleaning candles is an extremely wrong and dangerous procedure. During cleaning with this type of cleaning equipment, cerumen secretion is removed unnoticed.
While cleaning the ear secretion in this way causes the ear to itch, it also leaves the eardrum vulnerable to dirt and bacteria that may come from outside.
In addition, unconscious cleaning with ear cleaners causes the ear plug to be pushed into the inside of the ear and become blocked.
Why Does Earwax Occur?
- Working or being in dusty and dirty environments for a long time
- Swelling of the plug after swimming or taking a bath
- Failure to get the plug out of the ear due to the structural narrowing of the external ear canal
- Using devices such as hearing aids, earplugs and earplugs
- Trying to constantly clean the ear with foreign objects
What Are the Symptoms of Earwax?
The following symptoms may occur if the plug accumulates in the ear or cannot be thrown out of the ear for different reasons:
- Earache
- A feeling of fullness in the ear
- Ear congestion or partial hearing loss
- Ringing or buzzing in the ear
- Odor from the ear
- Itching of the ear
- Dark discharge from the ear
- Dry cough
In the presence of such symptoms, ear cleaning should not be done with foreign objects such as an ear cleaning device and an otolaryngologist should be consulted without wasting time.
How Does the Doctor Do Ear Cleaning?
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Lavage:
Lavage, also known as ear washing, is among the most commonly used ear cleaning procedures. The doctor squeezes a special solution into the patient’s ear and softens all foreign structures and plugs in the ear. During the procedure, where the ear to be cleaned is positioned to face the floor, this solution is continuously sprayed into the ear. The process is continued until the solution has a clear appearance. After the procedure, the person can return to his daily life immediately.
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Aspiration:
In this method, also known as vacuuming, the hardened plug in the ear is taken out with the aspirator device used. Before the procedure, a special solution is used to soften the plug.
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Curette:
The doctor removes the plug, which is softened with a special solution, using a curette.
Ear Hygiene: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the safest way to clean your ears?
The safest way to clean your ears is to leave them alone. Ears are self-cleaning organs. Most of the time, earwax moves out of the ear canal naturally through jaw movements like talking or chewing.
If you must clean them, only wipe the outer ear with a damp cloth. Never stick anything deep into the ear canal. This can push wax further in or damage the eardrum.
Why shouldn’t you use cotton swabs (Q-tips) inside your ears?
Using cotton swabs inside the ear is risky. Instead of removing wax, swabs often push the wax deeper. This leads to earwax impaction, which causes hearing loss or pain.
Swabs can also scratch the delicate skin inside the ear. These small cuts increase the risk of infection. In severe cases, a swab can even puncture the eardrum.
How can I remove excess earwax safely at home?
If you feel a buildup of wax, try these gentle methods:
- Over-the-Counter Drops: Use ear drops designed to soften the wax.
- Baby Oil: A few drops of mineral oil or baby oil can help loosen hard wax.
- Warm Water: Gently rinse the outer ear during a shower.
After the wax softens, it should move to the outer ear on its own. You can then wipe it away with a soft tissue.
What are the symptoms of an earwax blockage?
When earwax builds up too much, it causes specific symptoms. You might notice muffled hearing or a feeling of fullness in the ear. Some people also experience a constant ringing (tinnitus).
Other signs include earaches or an itchy sensation. If the blockage is severe, it can even cause dizziness. If these symptoms appear, it is best to see a doctor.
When should I see a professional for ear cleaning?
You should see an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist if home remedies fail. A professional can use microsuction or irrigation to remove wax safely. You should also seek help if you experience:
- Sudden hearing loss.
- Severe ear pain or discharge.
- A persistent feeling of blockage.
- Dizziness or vertigo.
Is ear candling a safe method for cleaning ears?
No, ear candling is not recommended by medical professionals. It is dangerous and has no proven benefits. The process can cause serious burns to the face or ear canal.
It can also lead to wax being deposited into the ear rather than removed. There is a high risk of damaging the eardrum with hot wax. Stick to medically approved cleaning methods instead.
