When wax is visible inside the ear or remains on headphones, it is unpleasant. However, doctors advise not to overdo it and not to climb into the ears with cotton swabs. In their opinion, excessive hygiene can only do harm. Let’s figure out how to properly clean your ears so as not to end up with a wax plug in the ENT doctor’s office.
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Why does wax accumulate in the ears and what is it for?
Earwax is a mixture of dirt, sweat, and grease. It sounds unpleasant and doesn’t look very good. But wax formation is a normal and necessary process in our bodies.
Earwax is produced by the sebaceous and sweat glands in the external auditory canal. It is about 3 cm long and we can see part of it even in the mirror. Earwax is mainly needed to protect the ear. It builds a waterproof barrier against dirt and germs. It also creates an acidic environment and prevents inflammation outside the eardrum – bacteria and fungi do not survive in such an environment. Earwax also moisturizes the external auditory canal so that nothing irritates the ear.
It is constantly formed and cleans itself. During the day, sulfur either falls out unnoticed or is washed off during bathing.
I don’t want anyone to see dirt in my ear. Can I clean it with a cotton swab?
Doctors do not recommend cleaning ears with cotton swabs or other devices, even if they are advertised specifically for cleaning ears. This ban is based on international recommendations for otolaryngologists.
The packaging of most of these products usually has a warning: “Do not insert into the ear canal.” But you still have to look hard to find this inscription on the packaging. We usually don’t do this and continue to clean our ears with cotton swabs. Although, in fact, they are intended for other purposes. For example, cotton swabs can be used during makeup to correct the arrow or lip contour. And a manicurist can easily remove excess nail polish with it.
I clean my ears with a cotton swab all the time. What are the risks for me?
First of all, frequent use of cotton swabs can provoke the formation of a sulfur plug. This is a blockage in the ear canal, when the sulfur is tightly seated inside and cannot leave the ear, while new sulfur is constantly added. Sooner or later, a large lump of dead skin particles, dirt and fat forms in the ear. A person may begin to hear worse with this ear, and headaches and ear infections may also join in .
How do I know if I have wax blockage in my ear?
By symptoms . Here’s what might be troubling:
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your hearing has become worse;
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ear aches;
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it itches inside;
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there is a noise in your ears, as if you are listening to loud music, but everything around is quiet;
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It feels like there’s something living in your ear and you want to get it out.
If you notice at least one symptom from the list, this is a reason to see an otolaryngologist. He will be able to examine the ear in detail with an endoscope and find the exact cause of discomfort.
If you don’t clean your ears, can earwax build up?
Yes, but not because you don’t take care of yourself enough. It happens because of the individual characteristics of the ear canal and the activity of the glands that produce wax.
It happens that earwax is very actively formed and itself provokes the development of a plug. It also often occurs in older people, because with age, the wax becomes denser and it is difficult for it to exit the ear canal on its own. The symptoms will be the same. And with them, you must definitely consult a doctor.
Is there no way to remove the grey plug ourselves?
If there is no severe pain or signs of inflammation, you can try to remove the plug yourself – for this, it is recommended to drip olive or almond oil into the ear twice a day for five days. A couple of drops will soften the plug and help it get out of the ear. After such procedures, the sulfur will fall out in lumps for two weeks.
If after five days the ear has not cleared up or the situation has worsened, you will have to see a doctor. He may prescribe special drops to soften the plug. Or he may remove the plug himself – by washing or using a special tool. But you definitely should not repeat the doctor’s actions at home – you can damage the eardrum or bring an infection into the ear.
How should I clean my ears now?
The thing is that you don’t need to clean your ears! All you need to do is regularly wash the part of the ear that is visible. It is enough to wash your ears with soap and water or shampoo when you bathe or wash your hair. You can also blot your ear with a towel to remove excess water. This is the maximum that specialists allow you to do.