Have you ever tried to get rid of ear wax and clean your ears with cotton swabs? If yes, then you’re doing it all wrong.

The ear is a self-cleaning organ and active cleaning may bring damage and irritation. It only needs cleaning from the outside. Cotton swabs and substitution of foreign objects is never a good idea because it damages the ear canal and pushes the cerumen or ear wax closer to the ear drums. This causes the continuous banging and buildup of ear wax near the ear drum that will cause permanent hearing problems.

Ear wax acts as a protective shield of the ear, it consists of yellowish waxy substance which offers protection from invaders such as insects and water. It can also reduce some types of bacteria and fungi because of its antimicrobial properties.

In case of excessive accumulation of this wax, there are different proper methods for removing blockage;

• Clean your outer ear with clean cloth and warm water.
• For the wax to come out easily, place a few drops of mineral oil, baby oil, clean water, or commercial ear drops into the inner ear. This will soften the ear wax, making it easier to clean.
• Using a syringe from a drug store, rinse the ear with a warm saline (salt water) solution. But remember not to insert it too far.
• Seek a doctor specializing in ear, nose and throat care because they have special safe instruments to vacuum or flush out the ear wax and excess dirt from the ear.

In our attempt to practice proper hygiene and caring for our body, keep in mind that some organs are more sensitive than others. Malpractice and alternative caring solutions may cause permanent damages to them.

REFERENCES:

https://share.upmc.com/2014/08/listen-tips-clean-ears-properly/

https://share.upmc.com/2015/10/ear-wax/

http://www.who.int/features/qa/81/en/