Most people don’t give much thought to their ear hygiene until they feel discomfort, itchiness, or even mild hearing loss. Ears play an important role in hearing and balance, so take care of them to prevent hearing loss. But the question remains: how often should ears be cleaned?
The body produces earwax (also known as cerumen) for a reason. Ear wax helps trap dust, dirt, and other particles before they can reach the sensitive parts of the ear canal. This waxy substance is self-cleaning; it moves out of the ear and falls away.
Earwax also acts as a protective layer, keeping the skin in the ear canal moisturized and preventing infections. So, while many people think ear wax is something to get rid of regularly, it’s important to recognize its benefits. Cleaning the ears too often can lead to irritation or a dry ear canal, which may cause further issues, including itching or infection.
Signs of a Problem
Although earwax is a helpful and natural part of the body’s defense system, there are times when it can cause problems. Some people experience an overproduction of earwax, leading to a blockage that can cause discomfort or temporary hearing loss. Symptoms like earaches, muffled sounds, or a feeling of fullness in the ears might indicate earwax buildup. In these cases, it may be necessary to intervene.
Avoiding Cotton Swabs
One common mistake everyone makes is using cotton swabs to clean inside the ears. While this might seem like a good idea, cotton swabs can push ear wax deeper into the ear canal, causing blockages. Using these swabs can even damage the eardrum or delicate parts of the ear. For routine ear hygiene, it’s best to clean only the outer part of the ear, where wax may be more visible, with a warm washcloth.
Cotton swabs, hairpins, and other small objects should not be used to clean deep inside the ear. These methods often lead to more harm than good, increasing the risk of earwax impaction, infection, or injury.
A hearing health exam can assess the situation and provide safe earwax removal if necessary. Hearing health professionals often use gentle suction or special tools to clear out wax without causing damage. It’s much safer than trying to address the issue at home with potentially harmful methods.
Tips for Everyday Ear Hygiene
Daily ear care doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple habits can help maintain ear health without the need for frequent cleaning. For example, wiping the outer ear with a soft, damp cloth can help remove dirt or excess wax without disturbing the natural balance inside the ear canal. Also, keeping ears dry, especially after swimming or showering, helps prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to infections.
Taking regular breaks from earbud use and keeping hearing devices clean can prevent ear canal irritation. A hearing health exam can provide more personalized advice on ear hygiene, particularly for individuals who use hearing aids. It’s easy to feel the urge to clean the ears more often than needed, especially if there’s a slight feeling of blockage or discomfort. However, knowing when to stop is key. The ears are designed to take care of themselves in most cases, and unnecessary interference can lead to problems like infections or hearing issues. If concerns about earwax or hearing persist, consulting a hearing health professional is always the safest route.