How to clean your ears at home?

The ears are a fundamental part of our sensory system. They allow us to listen to the world around us and maintain balance. Therefore, it is essential to take proper care of them, which includes keeping their ears clean. Although ears are designed to clean themselves naturally, sometimes intervention is necessary.

The Importance of Ear Hygiene

Ear hygiene is an essential part of hearing health. Keeping your ears clean can prevent a number of problems, such as earwax buildup, ear infections, and hearing loss. Plus, good ear hygiene can help you feel more comfortable and enjoy clear hearing.

The Function of Earwax

Cerumen, commonly known as earwax, is a waxy, sticky substance that occurs naturally in the ear canal. Its main function is to protect the ears by trapping dust particles, dirt and microorganisms, preventing them from entering the inner ear. Earwax also helps keep the skin in the ear canal hydrated.

Despite its benefits, earwax can sometimes accumulate excessively, which can cause discomfort and hearing problems. Earwax buildup can occur due to excessive earwax production, the shape of the ear canal, or the introduction of foreign objects, such as cotton swabs, that push the earwax deeper into the ear.

Symptoms of Earwax Accumulation

Before addressing how to clean your ears at home, it is important to recognize the symptoms of earwax buildup. Some common signs of earwax buildup include:

Partial hearing loss.
Sensation of blockage in the ear.
Ringing or ringing in the ear.
Earache.
Itchy ear.
Discharge of yellowish or brown fluid from the ear.

If you experience any of these symptoms, you may have a buildup of earwax and need to clean your ears. However, it is essential to do it properly to avoid injury to the ear canal or eardrum.

How to Safely Clean Your Ears at Home

Cleaning your ears at home can be a simple task if you follow the right steps and have the necessary tools. Here's a step-by-step approach to safely cleaning your ears:

Step 1: Gather the Necessary Materials
Before you begin, make sure you have the following materials on hand:

Warm water (body temperature).
A dropper or a bulb syringe.
Ear oil (such as olive oil or mineral oil).
Cotton balls.
A bowl of warm water and a small amount of hydrogen peroxide (optional).

Step 2: Soften the Earwax
The first step to cleaning your ears is to soften the earwax. You can do it by following these steps:

Take the dropper or bulb bulb and fill with warm, body temperature water.
Tilt your head to one side so that the ear to be treated is facing up.
Hold the dropper or bulb bulb just above the entrance to your ear and gently pour the warm water into your ear canal. Do not use force or insert the dropper or bulb into your ear.
Allow the warm water to sit in the ear for a few minutes to soften the earwax.

If you prefer, you can also use a few drops of ear oil instead of warm water. The oil helps soften earwax and can be especially helpful if you have a significant buildup of wax in your ears.

Step 3: Rinse the Ear
After the earwax has softened, it's time to rinse it off. Follow these steps:

Tilt your head to the opposite side to allow water and earwax to flow out. Place a container under your ear to catch any dripping liquid.
Use the dropper or bulb syringe to rinse the ear with warm water. Make sure the water flows smoothly and with a constant flow.
Tilt your head to the original side and allow the water and earwax to drain into the container. You can repeat this process several times until you feel that the ear is clean.

If you prefer, you can use a mixture of warm water with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide (diluted in water) to rinse the ear. Hydrogen peroxide can help further loosen earwax and eliminate potential infections. However, be careful not to use undiluted hydrogen peroxide in your ears, as it can cause irritation.

Step 4: Dry the Ear
Once you have rinsed the ear, it is important to dry it properly to avoid infection. Follow these steps:

Tilt your head to one side to allow any remaining water to drain.
Use a cotton ball to absorb any water left in the ear canal. Do not put the cotton ball in the ear, simply place it at the entrance of the ear canal to absorb moisture.
Repeat the process on the other ear if necessary.

Additional Tips:

Don't use cotton swabs or other sharp objects to clean your ears, as this can push earwax deeper or cause ear injury.
If you experience pain, bleeding, or any other unusual symptoms during the cleansing process, consult a healthcare professional immediately.
If you have a history of ear problems, such as a perforated eardrum, it is important to talk to a doctor before trying to clean your ears at home.

When to Consult a Professional

While ear cleaning at home is effective for many people, there are situations where it is necessary to consult a health professional. You should seek medical attention if:

You have a history of serious ear problems, such as perforated eardrums.
You experience intense pain in your ear.
You have a history of ear infections.
You suffer from dizziness or balance problems.
Earwax buildup does not improve with cleaning at home.
You feel like there is a foreign object lodged in your ear.

In these cases, a doctor or an ear, nose and throat specialist (otolaryngologist) will be able to evaluate the situation and perform a deeper, safer cleaning if necessary.

How to Prevent Earwax Buildup

Prevention is key when it comes to earwax buildup. Here are some tips to prevent excessive earwax buildup:

Don't use cotton swabs: Avoid inserting cotton swabs or other objects into the ear canal. This can push the earwax deeper and cause problems.

Don't expose yourself to humidity: Avoid getting water in your ears while bathing or swimming. Use earplugs if necessary.

Keep your ears clean: Gently wipe the outside of your ears with a clean, damp cloth. Do not insert foreign objects into the ear.

Consult a professional : If you have recurring problems with earwax buildup, consult a doctor or otolaryngologist for guidance on how to prevent it.

Ear cleaning at home is a common practice to maintain good hearing hygiene. However, it is essential to carry out this process safely and carefully. Earwax buildup can cause discomfort and hearing problems, but by taking the right steps, you can keep your ears clean and healthy. Remember that, if in doubt or if you experience severe symptoms, it is essential to consult a health professional to receive appropriate care. The health of your ears is valuable, so take proper care of them to enjoy clear, discomfort-free hearing.