5 Do’s and Don’ts of Cleaning Ears

At one point in time, every one of us is an archaeologist. Puzzled? Don't be, for I am not joking. Each and every one of us becomes an archaeologist when we clean our ears. We become so engrossed in ear cleaning that one would think we are excavating the tombs of Egypt. Yes, give us a pencil, bobby pin or even car keys! And we go digging deeper and deeper into the ear until we almost rip the ear drum apart!

Yes, I do admit that the circulatory motion of rotating the pointed object in your ear can have a pleasurable effect, but cleaning ears can become dangerous if done wrongly. So, let us pick up a few tips on cleaning ears.

5 Do's of Cleaning Ears

1. Know when to clean

The ear by itself, has a mechanism of filtering the dust and dirt by secreting earwax or cerumen and bringing it up to the surface. So most often just wiping the ears after a shower will do. Clean the ears only when you need to as in these cases when

 . Your hearing is dull
 . Your ears itch

Understand that ear wax is actually good for your ears. So, remove it only when you feel there is an earwax buildup or earwax blockages.

2. Wet your ears while showering

Wetting your ears while showering is a good thing as the hot water melts the ear wax and dissolves it right away. So, wiping your ears with a damp cloth is a must after a shower. This is natural cleaning, isn't it?

3. Use softening oils

If you are desperate to clean your ears at home, do it gently using softening oils like baby oil or mineral oil. Add few drops of oil into your ear with the ear canal facing the ceiling. After 5 minutes. tilt your head to drain it off and wipe out the excess oil. Repeat the same procedure for the other ear. Use warm water to flush out ear wax and excess oil.

4. Use ear-wax softening medication

Use medication available over-the-counter for softening ear wax. A few drops of this would be enough to dissolve the earwax blockages.

5. Consult an ENT specialist

Go for an ear check-up periodically and get your ears cleaned at an ENT hospital. Do not hesitate to contact an ENT specialist immediately in case of ear discharge, ear fullness or shooting pain in the ear.

5 Don'ts of Cleaning Ears

1. Don't clean your ears often

Cleaning ears once a month will suffice. Do not clean your ears frequently or rigorously as this will rid them of lubricating oils causing ear damage.

2. Do not put sharp objects in the ear

Do not use pens, pencils, car keys, bob pins or other sharp objects and damage your ears. 

3. Do not use ear buds or cotton swabs

Ear buds are long and your ear canal is short. So by pushing your ear buds in, you might be damaging your eardrum or pushing the earwax deeper and making it solidify. Use wax softening medication instead.

4. Do not use hydrogen peroxide

Some believe that hydrogen peroxide dilutes earwax buildup. On the contrary, it is a harmful chemical that may harm your ears.

5. Do not do ear-candling

Ear-candling is the process where a hot candle is taken near the ear to melt out the wax. Please do not follow this primitive and harmful method that might damage your ear.

Your ears are your only sound receivers that keep you connected with the vibrations of the outside world. Ears are small, sensitive and precious. Guard them with life by following these tips and always seek ENT treatment for ear cleaning and other ear problems.