How to Clean Your Ears: Best Practices and Tips

Clinically known as cerumen, earwax is a common substance produced by the cells in the ear canal. While often regarded as an annoyance, earwax actually plays a crucial role in protecting, moisturizing, and keeping the ear canal clean. Though some individuals frequently attempt to remove earwax, it’s often unnecessary and can even be harmful, as earwax typically exits the ear on its own. However, removing earwax becomes essential when it causes pain, hearing loss, or other issues. In this article, we’ll explore why earwax exists, when and why you should clean it, signs of impaction, the best and worst methods for ear cleaning, and how often you should perform this task.

Why Does Earwax Exist?

Earwax is produced by the ceruminous and sebaceous glands in the outer ear. This complex mixture of fatty acids, squalene, cholesterol, and other natural secretions serves to protect the ear from dust, dirt, and foreign particles. Additionally, earwax has acidic properties that make it inhospitable to germs and fungi, thus preventing infections. It also moisturizes the ear canal, preventing dryness, discomfort, and flakiness. Without earwax, the frequency of ear infections and irritations would likely increase.

Earwax naturally exits the ear. Jaw movements from actions like eating and talking help push older wax to the outer ear, where it may flake off or be washed away, maintaining ear cleanliness without intervention. For most people, this self-cleaning process ensures optimal ear health, reducing the need for manual cleaning. However, due to variations in ear canal shape, overproduction of earwax, or frequent use of ear devices, some individuals may experience discomfort or blockages.

When and Why to Remove Earwax?

For most individuals, the ear’s self-cleaning mechanism maintains regular earwax levels without the need for removal. Typically, earwax (cerumen) exits the ear canal naturally during activities like speaking or chewing. Excessive earwax removal is often unnecessary and may harm the ear canal, prompting glands to produce more wax, which can lead to buildup. However, symptoms of impaction can make earwax accumulation problematic. These symptoms include feelings of fullness, hearing loss, earaches, and tinnitus. Excessive earwax can also affect the fit and functionality of hearing aids and earplugs, causing discomfort or device malfunctions.

Audiologists note that individuals with narrow or curved ear canals or increased wax production are at a higher risk of earwax buildup. Regular users of earbuds or hearing aids may obstruct the natural movement of wax out of the ear. Removing earwax can alleviate discomfort, restore hearing, and prevent further complications. People may benefit from using over-the-counter ear drops or consulting a doctor for regular cleanings. Cleaning only when necessary protects ear health by avoiding harsh or unnecessary procedures.

Signs of Impaction

When wax blocks the ear canal, it can lead to pain and other symptoms. Recognizing these symptoms can help determine if treatment is necessary. Symptoms of earwax impaction include:

• Blocked ear canals that reduce hearing.
• Earaches caused by pressure from wax buildup.
• Ringing, buzzing, or humming in the ear due to wax pressing against the eardrum.
• A sensation of fullness or “plugged” ear, indicating impaction.
• In severe cases, impacted wax may affect balance and cause dizziness.
• Wax buildup can trigger ear canal nerves, leading to a reflex cough.
• Persistent symptoms may require safe self-care or medical intervention.

The Best Ear Cleaning Methods

If you experience symptoms of impaction or need to clean your ears, consider these gentle cleaning techniques:

• Over-the-Counter Ear Drops: Most pharmacies offer wax-softening drops containing hydrogen peroxide, mineral oil, or saline. These drops can be used daily until the wax softens and drains out.
• Ear Irrigation: This method involves using a gentle stream of water to flush out excess earwax after softening it. Home irrigation kits are available, but it’s crucial to follow the instructions to avoid damaging the ear. High water pressure can harm the ear canal or eardrum.
• Professional Removal: An audiologist, ENT specialist, or primary care physician can safely remove substantial earwax buildup using curettes or suction devices, which effectively remove wax without harming the ear canal.
• Ear Wax Removal Kits: These kits use bulb syringes for gentle irrigation of ear wax. When used as directed, they are safe and effective. However, individuals with ear infections, ear surgery history, or ruptured eardrums should consult a doctor before attempting at-home irrigation.

Earwax Removal Avoidance Strategy

Certain ear-cleaning practices can be harmful and should be avoided:

• Cotton Swabs or Q-tips: Despite being common, using swabs in the ear canal can worsen wax impaction and damage the ear canal or eardrum. Safe use is limited to the outer ear, not inside the canal.
• Ear Candling: This method involves inserting a hollow, wax-coated candle into the ear and lighting it to “draw out” earwax. Ear candling is ineffective and can cause burns, wax drips, and ear canal damage. It is not recommended by medical professionals.
• Sharp Objects: Using bobby pins, tweezers, or similar tools to remove earwax can damage the delicate tissues of the ear canal, leading to infection, discomfort, or hearing loss.
• Hydrogen Peroxide Misuse: While small amounts of hydrogen peroxide can be part of ear drops, misuse or high concentrations can harm the ear canal lining, leading to serious problems.
• Vacuum or Suction Devices: Some earwax removal devices exert excessive pressure on the ear or eardrum. Use only doctor-recommended gentle methods for earwax removal.

How Often Should You Clean Your Ears?

Earwax naturally exits the ear without frequent cleaning. Excessive cleaning removes protective wax and can stimulate glands to produce more, exacerbating buildup. Clean your ears only when you experience symptoms like fullness, hearing loss, or discomfort. Overcleaning can interfere with the natural self- cleaning process that usually works effectively.

Individuals with certain conditions, such as ear canal eczema, a history of ear surgery, or those who use hearing aids, may require more frequent cleanings. A healthcare provider can recommend professional cleanings if necessary. If you frequently experience earwax buildup or impaction, consult a doctor for proper cleaning guidance. Remember, ears can often clean themselves, and overcleaning can be harmful.

Conclusion

Earwax serves to protect, moisturize, and clean the ear canal. For most people, cleaning one’s ears isn’t necessary and, if done incorrectly, can be harmful. Earwax impaction, which requires cleaning, can lead to hearing loss, discomfort, and vertigo. To alleviate discomfort safely, consider using over- the-counter ear drops or gentle cleaning methods, or seek professional removal. Avoid sharp objects, cotton swabs, and ear candling, as they can worsen impaction and cause injuries. Most individuals should only clean their ears when needed to maintain healthy ear canals. Understanding when and how to clean your ears is essential for keeping them healthy and functioning correctly.