How do you clean out your ears 2024?
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Lucas Turner
Works at the International Development Association, Lives in Washington, D.C., USA.
Hi, I'm Dr. Sarah Jones, an otolaryngologist, which means I'm a doctor specializing in ear, nose, and throat disorders. Many people ask me about the best way to clean their ears, so let's delve into this common concern.
The most important thing to remember about ear cleaning is that our ears are designed to be self-cleaning. The ear canal has a natural way of removing earwax, which is actually a protective substance, not an indication of poor hygiene.
Here's how it works: the skin lining your ear canal grows outward in a conveyor-belt-like manner. This movement, combined with the motion of your jaw while chewing and talking, helps propel earwax and any trapped debris from the inner ear outward toward the ear opening. Once it reaches the outer ear, it typically dries up and flakes off.
So, do you need to clean your ears?
In most cases, the answer is no. Aggressive cleaning methods, especially with cotton swabs, can actually do more harm than good. Instead of removing earwax, cotton swabs often push it deeper into the ear canal, potentially causing a blockage known as cerumen impaction.
Signs of earwax impaction include:
* Ear pain or discomfort
* Feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
* Hearing loss or muffled sounds
* Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
* Itchiness, odor, or discharge from the ear
Safe Ear Cleaning Practices:
* Do nothing: As mentioned earlier, ears often clean themselves.
* Wipe the outer ear: If you want to clean your ears, simply use a washcloth or tissue to gently wipe away any visible earwax or debris from the outer ear.
* Soften earwax (if necessary): If you're prone to earwax buildup or experience mild impaction, you can try softening the earwax before attempting removal. Over-the-counter earwax softening drops are available. These drops typically contain ingredients like mineral oil, baby oil, glycerin, or hydrogen peroxide that help break down the earwax.
* Irrigation: After softening the earwax, you can try irrigating your ear with warm water using a bulb syringe. However, this method should only be used with caution and after consulting with your doctor. Never irrigate your ear if you have a history of ear surgery, a perforated eardrum, or ear tubes.
* See a doctor: If you experience persistent earwax impaction, hearing loss, ear pain, or other ear-related issues, it's essential to see your doctor or an otolaryngologist. They can safely and effectively remove earwax using specialized instruments and techniques.
Things to Avoid:
* Cotton swabs: Avoid using cotton swabs, bobby pins, or other objects to clean your ears. These can push earwax deeper into the ear canal and potentially damage the eardrum.
* Ear candling: Ear candling is an ineffective and potentially dangerous practice that involves inserting a hollow candle into the ear and lighting it. This method is not supported by scientific evidence and can lead to burns, ear canal blockages, and other complications.
Remember, healthy ears often require minimal cleaning. Focus on keeping the outer ear clean and consult your doctor for any concerns about earwax buildup or other ear-related problems.
The most important thing to remember about ear cleaning is that our ears are designed to be self-cleaning. The ear canal has a natural way of removing earwax, which is actually a protective substance, not an indication of poor hygiene.
Here's how it works: the skin lining your ear canal grows outward in a conveyor-belt-like manner. This movement, combined with the motion of your jaw while chewing and talking, helps propel earwax and any trapped debris from the inner ear outward toward the ear opening. Once it reaches the outer ear, it typically dries up and flakes off.
So, do you need to clean your ears?
In most cases, the answer is no. Aggressive cleaning methods, especially with cotton swabs, can actually do more harm than good. Instead of removing earwax, cotton swabs often push it deeper into the ear canal, potentially causing a blockage known as cerumen impaction.
Signs of earwax impaction include:
* Ear pain or discomfort
* Feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
* Hearing loss or muffled sounds
* Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
* Itchiness, odor, or discharge from the ear
Safe Ear Cleaning Practices:
* Do nothing: As mentioned earlier, ears often clean themselves.
* Wipe the outer ear: If you want to clean your ears, simply use a washcloth or tissue to gently wipe away any visible earwax or debris from the outer ear.
* Soften earwax (if necessary): If you're prone to earwax buildup or experience mild impaction, you can try softening the earwax before attempting removal. Over-the-counter earwax softening drops are available. These drops typically contain ingredients like mineral oil, baby oil, glycerin, or hydrogen peroxide that help break down the earwax.
* Irrigation: After softening the earwax, you can try irrigating your ear with warm water using a bulb syringe. However, this method should only be used with caution and after consulting with your doctor. Never irrigate your ear if you have a history of ear surgery, a perforated eardrum, or ear tubes.
* See a doctor: If you experience persistent earwax impaction, hearing loss, ear pain, or other ear-related issues, it's essential to see your doctor or an otolaryngologist. They can safely and effectively remove earwax using specialized instruments and techniques.
Things to Avoid:
* Cotton swabs: Avoid using cotton swabs, bobby pins, or other objects to clean your ears. These can push earwax deeper into the ear canal and potentially damage the eardrum.
* Ear candling: Ear candling is an ineffective and potentially dangerous practice that involves inserting a hollow candle into the ear and lighting it. This method is not supported by scientific evidence and can lead to burns, ear canal blockages, and other complications.
Remember, healthy ears often require minimal cleaning. Focus on keeping the outer ear clean and consult your doctor for any concerns about earwax buildup or other ear-related problems.
2024-06-16 22:53:44
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Works at Tesla, Lives in San Francisco. Graduated from University of California, Berkeley with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Safe ways to remove earwaxAsk your doctor to remove the wax in their office.Clean the outside of your ear with a damp cloth.If you choose to use cotton swabs, don't insert them into the ear canal.You can use earwax softener to soften earwax for easier removal.You can use a syringe to irrigate your ears.
2023-04-13 21:37:30
Olivia Baker
QuesHub.com delivers expert answers and knowledge to you.
Safe ways to remove earwaxAsk your doctor to remove the wax in their office.Clean the outside of your ear with a damp cloth.If you choose to use cotton swabs, don't insert them into the ear canal.You can use earwax softener to soften earwax for easier removal.You can use a syringe to irrigate your ears.
