Hello! I'm Dr. Emily Carter, an otolaryngologist, also known as an ear, nose, and throat doctor. I specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, and throat. I'm happy to help answer any questions you have about ear health.

It's important to understand that the ear canal is a self-cleaning organ. Earwax, or cerumen, is naturally produced to protect the ear from dirt, bacteria, and other foreign objects. It travels outwards, carrying debris along with it. Most of the time, this natural process is sufficient to keep the ear clean.

However, some people may experience excessive earwax buildup, known as impacted cerumen. This can cause a number of symptoms, including:

* Hearing loss
* Earache
* Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
* Feeling of fullness in the ear
* Coughing
* Dizziness

If you suspect you have impacted cerumen, it's important to see a doctor or other healthcare professional. They can safely remove the earwax using a variety of methods, including:

* Ear irrigation - This involves flushing the ear canal with warm water.
* Cerumenolytic agents - These are medications that soften the earwax, making it easier to remove.
* Microsuction - This method uses a small suction device to remove the earwax.

**It is important to note that you should never attempt to remove earwax yourself using cotton swabs or other objects.** This can push the earwax deeper into the ear canal, making it more difficult to remove and potentially damaging the ear.

Here are some tips for keeping your ears clean without using cotton swabs:

* **Avoid using cotton swabs or other objects to clean your ears.**
* **Keep your ears dry after bathing or swimming.**
* **Use a soft, damp cloth to clean the outer ear.**
* **If you experience any ear pain, hearing loss, or other symptoms, see a doctor or other healthcare professional.**

Remember, your ears are delicate and require careful attention. If you have any questions or concerns about ear health, please don't hesitate to consult a medical professional.
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TRY THE FINGER AND TISSUE TRICK. No Q-tip? ... ADD SOME HYDROGEN PEROXIDE... Lie down on your side and squeeze a few drops of hydrogen peroxide into your sky-facing ear. ... 3. ... OR OLIVE OIL. ... TURN TO EARWAX DROPS. ... USE A SPECIAL TOOL. ... GO TO THE DOCTOR.read more >>