What is the Best Way to Clean Your Ears to Prevent Buildup?

Proper ear hygiene is crucial for maintaining auditory health and preventing discomfort. However, many people do not follow the best practices for cleaning their ears and often resort to harmful methods, furthering earwax buildup.

So, in this article, our experts at El Dorado Hearing will break down exactly how you can clean your ears safely while avoiding those common yet harmful practices.

Understanding the Causes of Earwax Blockages

To effectively prevent earwax blockages, it’s important to understand the causes. Earwax, or cerumen, is a natural substance produced by glands in the ear canal. It serves several important functions, including protecting the ear from dust, foreign particles, and microorganisms. 

While your ears have a self-cleaning mechanism to avoid blockages, there are a number of reasons earwax can build up excessively. Untreated, this blockage can lead to discomfort and hearing issues, making it crucial to address.

The most common causes of earwax blockages include:

• Overproduction: Some people naturally produce more earwax due to genetics, frequent use of earphones or hearing aids, or the presence of foreign objects.
• Improper Cleaning: Using cotton swabs or other objects can push earwax deeper into the ear canal, causing impaction.
• Narrow or Abnormal Ear Canals: Naturally narrow or abnormally shaped ear canals can hinder the natural expulsion of earwax.
• Use of Earplugs and Hearing Aids: These devices can push earwax deeper and stimulate more production.
• Skin Conditions: Conditions like eczema or psoriasis can lead to excess debris in the ear canal, mixing with earwax and causing blockages.

While these causes aren’t always preventable, understanding your susceptibility is the first step in taking proactive measures toward your ear health. An experienced audiologist will explain the nature of your blockage, providing advice to prevent or mitigate future occurrences.

Exploring Safe Tactics to Clean Your Ears

Despite the natural cleaning mechanisms in your ears, earwax buildup can occur for many reasons. Fortunately, there are a few safe tactics to remove and prevent these blockages.

As we’ve discussed, maintaining ear hygiene doesn’t necessitate aggressive or invasive cleaning methods. Instead, if you are seeking relief from earwax buildup or discomfort, gentle and safe practices are often the most effective. 

Some recommended tactics for keeping your ears clean without causing harm include:

• Warm water and cloth
• Ear drops
• Professional cleaning

Warm Water and Cloth

One of the simplest and safest methods to clean your ears is using warm water and a soft cloth. Either with a bulb syringe or while in the shower, put warm water into your ear canal. Then, tilt your head to let the water flow out, and gently dry the outer ear with a cloth. This method helps soften and dislodge earwax, facilitating its natural expulsion.

Ear Drops

Over-the-counter ear drops can effectively soften earwax, making it easier to remove. These drops typically contain hydrogen peroxide or other gentle ingredients that break down earwax. Follow the instructions on the packaging, and never use ear drops if you suspect an ear infection or have a perforated eardrum.

Professional Cleaning

The safest and most effective method for cleaning your ears is professional cleaning. An audiologist or ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist can safely remove earwax using specialized tools and techniques. This approach is particularly recommended if you experience discomfort, hearing loss, or blockage that home remedies can’t alleviate.

Avoiding Dangerous Ear-Cleaning Methods

When it comes to cleaning your ears, most people have been given poor advice promoting dangerous methods. Because of this, it’s crucial to be aware of these practices and avoid them to protect your ear health.

Some of the most common and harmful ear-cleaning methods include:

• Cotton swabs
• Ear candling
• Hydrogen peroxide

Cotton Swabs

Despite their popularity, cotton swabs (Q-tips) are not recommended for cleaning ears. Inserting a cotton swab into the ear canal can push earwax deeper, leading to impaction or injury to the eardrum and ear canal. It’s best to avoid using them inside your ears altogether.

Ear Candling

Ear candling is an alternative therapy that involves placing a lit, hollow candle in the ear canal. Proponents claim it creates a vacuum that draws out earwax, but there is no scientific evidence supporting this. Ear candling can cause serious injuries, including burns and ear canal blockage, and should be avoided.

Hydrogen Peroxide

While hydrogen peroxide is a common ingredient in ear drops, using it in its pure form or in high concentrations can irritate the delicate skin inside your ear. Stick to commercially available ear drops specifically designed for earwax removal to avoid potential harm.

Maintaining Proper Hearing Aid Hygiene

For those who wear hearing aids, keeping them clean is just as important as maintaining ear hygiene. Hearing aids can accumulate earwax and debris, which can affect their performance and longevity.

Regularly cleaning your hearing aids involves gently wiping them with a dry cloth and using a brush or pick to remove any earwax buildup. It’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions to avoid damaging the device.

Getting Started with Clean and Healthy Ears

By understanding your ear’s natural self-cleaning processes and employing safe practices, you are well-equipped to address and prevent earwax buildup. If you experience any pain, discomfort, or hearing loss, consult a healthcare professional to address the issue promptly and safely. 

At El Dorado Hearing, our team of audiologists have years of experience in helping maintain optimal ear health. Whether you’re seeking relief from earwax blockage or looking to maintain your hearing abilities, take our quick quiz with an expert at El Dorado Hearing today!