Hear Me Out: This is the Best Way to (Safely) Clean Your Ears

Videos showing ear cleaning and the removal of ear wax have recently garnered millions of views on social platforms, with influencers claiming they know just the right household product or even gadget to help clean your ears. But using tiny tools, oils, harsh chemicals, or even a Bluetooth-powered ear-cleaning camera tool does not bode well for your ear health.

If you research how to clean ear wax at home, chances are most trusted sources will say the same thing — don't. General physicians and ENT specialists agree you should not put anything smaller than your elbow into your ear canal – small things that can reach and pierce the eardrum should never be put in the ear. Secondly, ear wax, while annoying and unattractive, is one of the many ways our body cleans itself.

So, instead of treating ear wax as an enemy that needs instant eradication, let’s try to understand its importance before diving into details about ear hygiene and safe ear-cleaning practices.

“The substance, essentially cerumen, is produced by the ear canal's skin sebaceous glands and serves a protective function. In simple terms, it is a lubricant that helps remove dead cells, dirt, and sometimes external agents from the ear canal. This helps keep the risk of infection low and prevents dryness in the ear canal,” says Dr Mahima Luthra, MS ENT, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Dehradun.

“Also, remember that the amount of wax formed and its consistency is a genetic trait,” she adds.

In most cases, ear wax (along with all the impurities it has collected) finds its way out with chewing and other jaw motions, like talking. It might come as a surprise, but most people don’t need to clean ear wax.

“However, if formed in excess, it can block the ear canal, and one can feel a sense of blockage in the ear, an earache, or decreased hearing. In that case, we recommend seeing an ENT specialist who will remove the wax either by syringing or by examining the ear with a special instrument and removing the wax without causing any damage to the skin of the ear canal or the eardrum,” explains Dr Luthra.

There are many people who experience itchiness in their ears. According to Dr Luthra, this sometimes happens due to dry skin in the ear canal. The most common reason is exposure to soapy water. “People prone to dermatitis or dry skin can also experience itching and dryness, leading to a feeling of discomfort in their ears,” she explains.

She advises gently moistening the ear canal using an emollient and applying it on the outer area with your little finger to avoid such situations. While bathing, one can put a cotton ball soaked in petroleum jelly in the ear and remove it afterwards.

While visiting an ENT specialist for ear wax removal is recommended, you can also follow these safe ear-cleaning practices at home.

Clean the exterior surfaces and the area behind the ears with a damp, soft cloth. Remember to squeeze out the extra water to avoid blockage. You can also add a few drops of hydrogen peroxide to the water.

Q-tips can be your best friend if used wisely. However, they should only be used for cleaning the external parts of the ear since they may propel earwax further into the ear canal.

They work well for those experiencing dryness or hardened ear wax, but avoid buying over-the-counter ear drops. Instead, consult your doctor and request the correct prescription based on your condition.

If you stick to the basics, which include only cleaning the outer surface and behind your ears, chances are you won't need to visit a healthcare professional. However, if you feel constant pain and discomfort, make your appointment with an ENT specialist a priority.

Some of the common signs to look out for include:

• A ringing sound or buzzing in the ear, often referred to as tinnitus
• Feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear
• Unexplained bouts of dizziness
• Constant pain in the ear
• Foul-smelling discharge

If you have any of the above symptoms, avoid bathing in ponds and rivers, as that can aggravate an existing ear condition. Dr Luthra explains, “A fungal infection of the ear canal can cause the wax in the ear to swell, aggravating the symptoms of earache and ear blockade.”

Dr Luthra shares the most common mistakes that people make in an effort to clean ear wax at home:

Although many consider this practice safe, putting oil in your ear can cause severe damage if done incorrectly. In the case of an existing ear drum perforation, adding oil can cause acute infection of an otherwise dry perforation. This can then lead to ear discharge or fungal infection (otomycosis) of the ear canal.

Sharp objects can injure the skin of the ear canal, leading to the possibility of infection (otitis externa). They may even injure the eardrum, leading to perforation. Using Q-tips can force the wax further into the ear canal, making its removal more difficult and worsening the feeling of a blocked ear.

In addition, you should incorporate a few lifestyle changes for healthy, blockage-free ears.

• Avoid using headphones at high volume for prolonged periods.
• Limit your exposure to loud sounds. This includes concerts, proximity to the DJ console, and even loud volume on the television.
• Remember to dry your ears after swimming and showering.

Your ear is a remarkable self-cleaning organ and does not require daily cleaning as long as you maintain healthy ear hygiene. But if you sense any change in your hearing or discomfort, reach out to a specialist for a check-up. Remember, early diagnosis helps determine the actual cause, the right course of medication, and the cure.