Ear Hygiene 101: Best Practices for Cleaning Your Ears

Earwax is a substance that everybody has and produces but is not a topic to be openly discussed. Believe it or not, earwax actually plays a crucial role in the health of our ears on a daily basis. So how do you manage ear hygiene, and what do you do if you experience excess earwax? Here is some more information to help you navigate the best practices for cleaning your ears.

The Role of Earwax

Earwax acts as a barrier against external bodies such as dust, grime and debris. With naturally occurring antibacterial properties, it can also help to prevent ear infections too. It’s clear that some earwax is the sign of a healthy ear, but what happens when too much earwax builds up in your ear canal? Earwax build ups can be uncomfortable and they can often lead to temporary hearing loss. This is why it’s important to keep up with your regular audiologist appointments and undergo ear cleaning appointments if necessary.

Why Might You Have Excess Earwax?

Having excess earwax may not be due to lack of hygiene measures; it can often be out of your control due to the natural process of earwax production. Some individuals produce more earwax than others which can cause build-up and irritation. If you attempt to overclean your ears this can actually stimulate the production of even more earwax, so it’s best to stick to a regular routine that doesn’t interfere with your body’s natural way of creating protective earwax. It’s important to take action if you experience discomfort, pain, hearing problems or tinnitus as a result of excess earwax, but you should never try to clear the blockage by yourself as this could push the wax further into your ear.

Ear Cleaning at Home

If you suspect you have a buildup of earwax, it’s important to seek out professional help from an audiologist. You should never attempt to remove the impacted earwax by yourself using cotton swabs or foreign objects. If your earwax naturally starts to remove itself to the outside of your ear, it’s safe to simply wipe it away with damp cloth while washing or showering. Do not seek out other ear cleaning devices or methods at home, as this can cause infection and make the buildup of wax move further down into the ear canal.

See An Audiologist for Professional Ear Cleaning

There are a number of useful things you can do at home to ensure your ears remain clean and hygienic. However, it’s very important to leave professional ear cleaning to your audiologist. If you’re worried about excessive earwax, or your hearing is starting to become affected, get in touch with an audiologist in your local area. They will be able to assess your personal circumstances and inform you of the best procedure to clear your earwax. You should never try to remove earwax by yourself at home; leave this job to your trusted audiologist. If you want to learn more about earwax or hearing loss, contact an audiologist.