Do You Actually Need to Clean Your Ears? Here Are the Facts

Imagine chilling at your favourite coffee spot and chatting with friends, but everything sounds distant and unclear. Fun fact: Removing an earwax plug can enhance hearing by up to 10 decibels!

Many people turn to cotton swabs, thinking of a quick fix. But this common method can do more harm than good. So, the question is: Should you clean your ears? Absolutely, yes — but it is essential to do it correctly. Discover why you should clean your ears and how to do it safely in this blog.

What is earwax?

Earwax is your ear’s defence mechanism. It is a waxy oil that captures dirt, dust, and bacteria, preventing them from reaching your eardrum.

Why should you clean your ears?

Your ears are naturally self-cleaning. Jaw movements, such as talking and eating, naturally push earwax out and keep your ears clean. However, some people produce more earwax that is either excessive, very dry, or hard, or does not exit the ears naturally. This can lead to complications such as hearing difficulties, a persistent ringing in the ears known as tinnitus, and infections.

What causes earwax to build up?

Factors like genetics, age, gender, and lifestyle can affect earwax production. Men and older adults tend to have more build up. As we age, our earwax becomes drier, while dead skin cells continue to accumulate, complicating the natural cleaning process. Other than ageing, improper ear cleaning habits can also affect the ability of our ears to self-clean. Using cotton swabs or similar objects can worsen the problem by pushing the wax deeper into the ear while using ear devices can create blockage.

Dr Kapil Sikka, MS, DNB ENT, Delhi adds, “How often you should clean your ears depends on your individual rate of earwax buildup. Most people only need to clean their ears once or twice a week. Those with more rapid earwax build-up might need to clean more often, but daily cleaning should be avoided. In fact, cleaning too frequently can backfire — earwax is your body’s natural shield against infections, and over-cleaning can actually lead to frequent ear infections. So, let your ears do their job and clean them only as needed!”

Earwax’s role: Balancing hygiene and nature’s defence

Earwax or cerumen plays a vital role in protecting the ears. It traps dust, dirt, and bacteria, preventing them from reaching the delicate inner ear. Naturally antibacterial and moisturising, earwax also helps maintain the ear canal’s health and prevents it from drying out. While regular cleaning is important, over-cleaning or using cotton buds can actually push wax deeper and cause blockages or irritation. It's best to let the ears self-clean when possible, only seeking medical advice if there's discomfort, hearing loss, or excessive build-up.

Dos and don'ts of earwax removal

• After a warm shower, a soft washcloth can be your ear’s best friend. Just gently wipe away any wax that’s made its way out.

• Use cotton swabs only on the outer part of the ear, and sticking anything sharp in your ear is not recommended.

• Ear candling might look cool on Instagram, but it's a big no. It can leave you with burns, more wax, or a hole in your eardrum.

• It’s best to see an ENT doctor once or twice a year for ear cleaning, especially if you’re prone to earwax buildup.

Ear cleaning benefits: How regular cleaning promotes ear health

• Enhanced hearing

• Prevention of ear infections

• Relief from tinnitus

• Prevention of earaches

• Prevention of complications from hearing aids and earplugs

Earwax and hearing aids/earbuds

Wearing hearing aids or earbuds regularly can lead to a build-up of earwax, as they may block the ear canal and disrupt the ear’s natural cleaning process. This can cause wax to accumulate more quickly, sometimes leading to blockages or reduced sound clarity. Hearing aids, in particular, can also be affected by wax entering the device, potentially impacting performance. Regular checks and gentle cleaning, both of the ears and the devices, are important to maintain comfort and hearing quality.

When to consult a doctor about earwax?

If you suspect that earwax buildup is affecting your health, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before trying home remedies. Some symptoms may mimic other conditions, so it’s important to confirm that earwax is the actual issue.

Severe symptoms: If you experience dizziness, loss of balance, or difficulty walking, these could be signs that you need immediate medical evaluation.

Persistent vomiting or high fever: These could suggest a significant infection.

Sudden loss of hearing: If you notice a rapid decline in your hearing, it’s essential to get checked immediately.

Keep your ears happy

Regular ear cleaning is essential for ear health and preventing complications. Removing excess earwax improves hearing clarity and prevents blockages that could lead to infections, discomfort, or hearing loss. If you experience sudden hearing loss, dizziness, or persistent pain, consult a healthcare professional promptly. Remember, your ears are delicate organs; treat them with care.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can coconut oil help in removing ear wax?

It is not advisable to clean your ears with tools or oils such as coconut oil unless you are under the supervision of an ENT specialist.

2. What are the consequences of leaving earwax buildup untreated?

If wax builds up in one's ear, it can cause earache, loss of hearing, tinnitus (persistent ringing or buzzing sounds), itchiness around the ear, and potentially even infection in the ears.

3. Can frequent ear cleaning help prevent the risk of ear infections?

Regular ear cleaning can help reduce the risk of ear infections by removing potential breeding grounds for harmful microorganisms that could cause infection. However, over-cleaning can backfire, as earwax is a natural shield against infections, and frequent cleaning can increase infection risk.

4. Are there any risks involved with performing ear irrigation at home?

Ear irrigation should not be attempted at home. It can lead to a vasovagal attack, in which the patient can have sudden giddiness and fall. Also, if done in patients with a perforation or ear infection, the infection can worsen.