Cleaning your ears may seem like a simple thing to do, however, using incorrect methods can actually do harm. Earwax plays an important role in protecting your ears from dust, debris and bacteria. Instead of using cotton buds, it’s safer to use other methods for ear hygiene.
Your ears can naturally remove excess wax as they are self-cleaning, so most of the time, you don’t need to do anything at all to keep them clean. Natural movements of the jaw, such as when you chew or talk, actually helps push the wax out of the ear canal, keeping them clean.
The safest and most effective way to remove earwax is by carefully wiping the outer part of your ear using a damp cloth. Avoid inserting anything into the ear canal, as this can cause blockages and even injuries. Another simple way is by doing a warm water rinse. This can be done in the shower, by letting warm water run into your ear and then simply tilting your head to let the water and any wax to drain out.
You may also use natural oils to soften any impacted earwax. A few drops of warm olive or almond oil can be dropped to the ear. Then let the oil sit for a few minutes before you tilt your head to drain it away. Doing this one or twice a week can help any blockages.
If you experience excessive wax buildup persistently then you can use ear drops containing diluted hydrogen peroxide or saline, which can help break down earwax safely. However, if you this you have a blockage, it is best to consult a medical professional instead of attempting to remove it yourself.
