Why you shouldn't clean your ears with cotton swabs. The ear is made up of three parts: the external part, the canal in the middle part and the eardrum in the internal part. Earwax usually occurs in the canal, since the ear uses it naturally as a protector of the ear, trapping germs, preventing infections and avoiding the direct entry of water. However, excess earwax and dirt can hinder the function of the ear , so it is recommended to always keep the device clean.
Many people bet on cleaning the ear by inserting elements such as cotton swabs, believing that in this way they will be able to remove excess earwax. However, this practice is completely discouraged , since the introduction of cotton swabs or other pointed elements such as cotton or the tip of a handkerchief or towel can not only cause injuries, but can also alter the pH and acid content fatty. They remove earwax or compact it against the eardrum causing plugs and, therefore, reduce the ear's ability to protect against germs, thus promoting infections. In addition, the use of cotton swabs can cause other serious hearing problems such as deafness. Using cotton swabs has more risks than benefits, so this type of habit is not recommended when cleaning the hearing aid.
How to clean your ears properly
Do you want to know how to remove ear wax? Well, although it may seem complicated to clean the ear, it is a relatively simple process, since the hearing aid itself has its own self-cleaning system. The cells of the auditory canal have the mission of expelling microorganisms, liquids or substances to the outside, as a defense method. They also expel excess wax produced by the ear.
Do you want to know how to remove an ear wax plug at home? Do you have clogged ears? Well, this cleaning process itself allows us to clean the external part with ease: You will only need to pass a fine damp cloth over the external part of the ear , known as the ear, and rub it gently. That yes, never introducing it in the channel. Also, while you wash your head you can also clean the ears on the outside. On the other hand, you should keep in mind that excessive cleaning of the ear is not positive either., since you must remember that wax always acts as a natural defense element. The recommended routine is to clean the ear only once a week, approximately. Now you know how to clean the ear! And, as far as cleaning the inside of the ear, it should only be done in case a wax plug has been produced. To do it properly you should see your doctor.
Before carrying out any method, you should know that there are symptoms of wax plug.
How to remove a wax plug
Wondering how to clean clogged ears? Well, to remove earplugs, you must first know that each ear produces a different amount of earwax . There are people who produce little and others who produce excess wax, this causes its accumulation in the form of a wax plug, especially for anatomical reasons. For example, having a narrower or more angled canal can lead to the accumulation of wax and end up blocking the ear.
In these situations, when the wax plug occurs, it is necessary to remove this accumulation, since the plug prevents the person who has it from hearing in good conditions and normally. However, this process must always be carried out under medical prescription , since it will be the specialist who determines what the plug is like and what is the best extraction method, after checking it with an otoscope. Always avoid using home methods or remedies to remove the plug, as it contains risks and can be counterproductive. Once the doctor has verified how the plug is, its extraction will be determined. Generally, a few drops are usually prescribed to be applied days before the removal of the wax plug, so that it softens. Afterwards, there are Two methods to be able to remove the wax plug that blocks the ear:
Ear irrigation or flushing
Extraction by irrigation or ear washing is one of the methods to be able to remove a wax plug easily. The otolaryngologist or, failing that, a specialized nurse, will be in charge of inserting a syringe to remove plugs with abundant liquid (water or saline solution), through which pressure will be exerted to help the plug come out. Although it is a very effective method, it can be somewhat aggressive, which is why it is contraindicated for people with hearing problems or who have had some other intervention in the ear.
Manual extraction
With the help of a microscope and appropriate instruments, the ENT specialist can perform a manual extraction to remove the ear plug . This intervention is outpatient and does not require any type of admission.
Other tips
Remember that the ideal is always to consult with your doctor and that he be the person who recommends the best way to remove the wax plug. Likewise, you should be clear about what you should not do to clean the wax and not put your hearing device at risk :
- Do not insert anything into the ear (cotton swabs, handkerchiefs, towels, pointed objects).
- Do not apply any medication in the form of drops or other liquids without prescription or medical recommendation.
- Do not use home remedies such as the application of olive oil drops or the use of candles inside the ear canal.
- We strongly discourage applying hydrogen peroxide in the ear to clean the wax.
