Although the ears have their own self-cleaning system, it is important to always keep them well clean, without wax or plugs that prevent hearing. However, there are many people who, on occasion, have used swabs, the tip of a handkerchief or even sea water to help with the cleaning of the hearing aid. Is this practice correct? The answer is no. It is totally discouraged to introduce any element into the ear canal, as it could damage it.
Keeping this premise in mind, at. we want to help you know how to clean the ears of wax easily and without putting the ear at risk. Want to know more? Here are all the answers.
Why you shouldn't clean your ears with swabs
The ear is composed of three parts: the outer, the duct in the middle and the membrane of the eardrum in the inner. Earwax usually occurs in the duct, since the ear uses it naturally as an ear protector, catching germs, preventing infections and preventing the direct entry of water. However, excess earwax and dirt can hinder the function of the ear, so it is recommended to keep the device always clean.
Many people bet on cleaning the ear by introducing elements such as swabs, believing that in this way they can eliminate excess earwax. However, this practice is completely discouraged, since the introduction of swabs or other pointed elements such as a cotton ball or the tip of a handkerchief or towel can not only cause wounds, but can also alter the pH and fatty acid content. They eliminate earwax or compact it against the eardrum causing plugs and, therefore, reduce the ability of the ear to protect against germs, thus enhancing infections. In addition, the use of swabs can lead to other serious hearing problems such as deafness. Using swabs has more risks than benefits, so this type of habit is not recommended when cleaning the hearing aid.
How to clean the ears properly
Do you want to know how to remove ear wax? Well, although it seems complicated to carry out the cleaning of the ear, it is a relatively simple process, since the same hearing aid has its own self-cleaning system. The cells of the ear canal have the mission of expelling microorganisms, liquids or substances outward, as a method of defense. They also expel the excess wax produced by the ear.
Do you want to know how to remove a wax plug from the ear at home? Do you have plugged ears? Well, this cleaning process allows us to clean the external part easily: You will only need to pass a thin cloth moistened by the outside of the ear, known as the ear, and rub it gently. Of course, never introducing it into the channel. In addition, while washing your head you can clean your ears also 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 exclusively once a week, approximately. Now you know how to clean the ear! And, as for the inner cleaning of the ear, it should only be done in case a wax plug has been produced. To do it properly you should go to your doctor.
Before carrying out any method, you should know that there are symptoms of the wax plug. In. we explain how to tell if you have wax in your ears. Don't miss it!
How to remove a wax plug
Wondering how to clean wax-covered ears? Well, to remove the earplugs, you must first know that each ear produces a different amount of earwax. There are people who produce little and others who produce wax in excess, this causes its accumulation in the form of a wax plug, especially for anatomical reasons. For example, having a narrower or angulated duct can lead to the accumulation of wax and end up plugging the ear.
In these situations, when the wax plug is produced, it is necessary to eliminate that accumulation, since the plug prevents the person who has it from listening in good conditions and normally. However, this process must always be carried out under medical prescription, since it will be the specialist who determines how the plug is and what is the best method of extraction, after checking it with an otoscope. Always avoid using methods or home remedies to carry out the removal of the plug, as it contains risks and can be counterproductive. Once the doctor has checked how the plug is, its removal will be determined. Generally, some drops are usually prescribed that must be applied days before the extraction of the wax plug, so that it softens. Then, there are two methods to remove the wax plug that blocks the ear:
Ear irrigation or washing
Extraction by irrigation or ear washing is one of the methods to be able to extract a wax plug in a simple way. The ENT or, failing that, a specialized nurse, will be in charge of introducing a syringe to remove plugs with abundant liquid (water or physiological serum), through which pressure will be exerted to help the plug come out. Although it is a very effective method, it can be somewhat aggressive, that is why it is contraindicated for people with hearing problems or who have had some other intervention in the ear.
Manual removal
With the help of a microscope and appropriate instruments, the ENT can perform a manual removal to remove 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 is the person who recommends the best way to remove the wax plug. Also, you should be clear about what you should not do to clean the wax and not put your hearing aid at risk:
- Do not put anything in the ear (swabs, tissues, towels, pointed objects).
- Do not apply any medication in the form of drops or other liquids without prescription or medical recommendation.
- Do not use folk remedies such as applying drops of olive oil or using candles inside the ear canal.
- We strongly discourage applying hydrogen peroxide to the ear to clean the wax.
Ear cleaning is essential for large and small, that is why at. we also recommend this article on How to clean the ears of a baby. We provide you with all the information you need to know to do it correctly. Notes! And, if you also think you have water in your ear, do not miss this article on How to get water out of the ear.
