Is it true that we should use cotton sticks to clean ear wax from our ears? Was it my mother or my grandmother, who said to me and it’s true: “You shouldn’t put anything in your ear smaller than your elbow”!!
But, to understand why it’s wrong to clean the water from our ears while bathing, we first must tell ourselves about ear wax and its purpose.
The dirt, medically known as cerumen (ear wax), is there to protect your ears. The famous Dr. Douglas Backous says that ear wax should keep the canal of your ear clean.
Generally, your ears are clean. Ear wax helps keep the dust and dirt far from your eardrums, but also gives antibacterial lubrication. While eating and chewing the food, the jaw moving is helped by the sediment ear wax. Is it a sort of lubricating process (similar to escalator moving) says Dr. Backous.
The problem happens because we think that we are smarter than our body’s natural system and that all our vents have to be cleaned. We seem that we can clean our ear canals from dirt with a small cotton stick, but with that, we put the dirt further in the ear.
The imprisoned ear wax becomes the habitat of fungi, bacteria, and viruses accumulating in the external ear, potentially causing ear pain and infections.
Problems Emerging From Cleaning Ear Wax
Pushing the ear wax further into the ear can block the ear canal. Then hearing loss can happen, or the eardrum can pop and naturally cause great pain. Each year, 12,000 Americans complain to doctors because of excessive ear wax – cerumen. They schedule checking for ear wax removal through special ways and treatments done by medical professionals – ear specialists.
“Your ears should be cleaned”, but by medical professionals – says Dr. Backous. “You will see the benefits and feel the change in your hearing after treatment by those professionals. If you want to clean your ears by yourself with cotton sticks – then do it around the external ear, without putting it in the ear canal” – this is our advice.
Yes, we know you think – you can’t stop if you feel your ear is itching. You are enchanted by the self-pleasuring feeling. But, in this way, the more you clean the ear, the more you release histamine making the skin aroused and inflamed like a mosquito bite – you get a scar you constantly itch and scratch. Plus, because the ears are naturally lubricated with ear wax, removing such can simply dry it out and cause the dirt to stick, and you will be delusional – trying to relieve yourselves.
Ear Wax Cleaning Remedy
Dr. Backous says: “If you can’t resist self-cleaning your ears, I recommend a small homemade “watering”. Take a few drops of white vinegar, a bit of pure alcohol, and a bit of tap water (at normal temperature) and do a trick – inject it in the ear with a plastic syringe. Be careful, too cold or too hot a mixture can cause you nausea. The release is guaranteed as the mixture flows. After this, don’t put anything in your ears!
This explanation is informative and is not a replacement for medical advice. If you have some larger problems, please consult a qualified medical practitioner and get personal medical advice.
Safe Ear Wax Removal: The Best Way To Clear Clogged Ears
Hydrogen peroxide is another common household item that can be used to soften and help remove earwax. Here’s how you can use hydrogen peroxide to address earwax buildup:
Ingredients:
3% hydrogen peroxide solution (readily available at most drugstores)
Instructions:
- Tilt your head: Tilt your head so that the affected ear is facing upward. You can do this by lying on your side or sitting with your head tilted.
- Administer the solution: Using a clean dropper, add a few drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide solution into the ear canal. Ensure the hydrogen peroxide is at room temperature to prevent discomfort.
- Listen and wait: You may hear a slight fizzing or popping sound as the hydrogen peroxide interacts with the earwax. This is normal and indicates that the solution is working to soften the wax. Allow the hydrogen peroxide to sit in your ear for about 10-15 minutes.
- Tilt and drain: After the waiting period, tilt your head in the opposite direction to let the treated ear drain. You can use a clean cloth or tissue to catch any earwax and solution that comes out.
- Gently wipe: Use a clean, soft cloth or tissue to gently wipe the outer ear and any earwax that has been expelled.
- Repeat if needed: You might need to repeat this process over several days to fully remove the earwax. Be patient and do not force anything into the ear canal.
Important Notes:
- Do not use this method if you have an ear infection, a perforated eardrum, or any other ear condition. Consult a healthcare professional in these cases.
- Avoid using high-concentration hydrogen peroxide solutions as they can be harmful to the ear. Stick to 3% hydrogen peroxide.
- Never insert anything into your ear canal, such as cotton swabs, as it can push the earwax further in or damage the eardrum.
- Discontinue use and consult a doctor if you experience pain, discomfort, or worsening of symptoms.
As always, if you are unsure or experience complications, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider for guidance on earwax removal. They can safely remove the earwax using specialized tools and techniques if necessary.