Hi there! Dr. Sarah Thompson here, board-certified otolaryngologist, which means I'm an ear, nose, and throat doctor. People often ask me about the best way to clean their ears. It's a common concern, and there's a lot of misinformation out there. So, let's clear things up!

**The Short Answer: You Probably Don't Need to Clean Your Ears as Much as You Think**

Our ears are actually self-cleaning marvels. The ear canal skin naturally produces earwax, also known as cerumen. This amazing substance acts as a protective barrier, trapping dust, dirt, and other debris, preventing them from reaching the delicate eardrum. The ear canal's natural motion, aided by jaw movements like talking and chewing, helps move the earwax outward, where it typically dries up and flakes away.

The Problem with Cotton Swabs

Now, here's where things often go wrong. Many people reach for cotton swabs, thinking they're doing a good job cleaning their ears. However, cotton swabs can actually push earwax further into the ear canal, impacting it against the eardrum. This can lead to a range of problems, including:

* Earwax Blockage: Compacted earwax can cause discomfort, hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and even dizziness.
* Ear Canal Injuries: Cotton swabs can scratch the delicate skin of the ear canal, increasing the risk of infection.
* Eardrum Perforation: In severe cases, aggressive use of cotton swabs can even puncture the eardrum, leading to significant hearing loss and other complications.

**So, What's the Right Way to Clean Your Ears?**

* Let Your Body Do Its Thing: Most of the time, the best approach to ear cleaning is to let your body naturally manage earwax removal.
* Gentle Cleansing: If you feel the need to clean the outer part of your ears, simply use a washcloth dampened with warm water. Gently wipe the outer ear and the entrance to the ear canal. Avoid inserting anything into the ear canal itself.
* Seek Professional Help When Needed: If you experience symptoms of an earwax blockage, such as ear fullness, hearing changes, ear pain, or drainage, it's important to see a healthcare professional. They can safely and effectively remove earwax using specialized instruments or irrigation techniques.

Important Note: Individuals with certain conditions, such as a history of eardrum perforations, ear surgery, or those who wear hearing aids, may need to follow specific ear cleaning recommendations from their doctor.

Remember, healthy ears are happy ears! By understanding how your ears naturally clean themselves and avoiding potentially harmful practices like using cotton swabs, you can help ensure your ears stay healthy and functioning at their best.

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Safe ways to remove earwaxAsk your doctor to remove the wax in their office.Clean the outside of your ear with a damp cloth.If you choose to use cotton swabs, don't insert them into the ear canal.You can use earwax softener to soften earwax for easier removal.You can use a syringe to irrigate your ears.read more >>