Earwax, a natural substance, plays a significant role in maintaining ear health. While the desire to clean ears is common, caution is important. Ears are designed with a self-cleaning mechanism, and improper cleaning methods can lead to harm.
The Role of Earwax
Earwax, medically known as cerumen, is a waxy substance produced by glands in the ear canal. Its primary function is to protect delicate structures deeper within the ear. It acts as a barrier, trapping dust, dirt, and foreign particles, preventing them from reaching the eardrum. Earwax also moisturizes the ear canal skin, preventing dryness, and contains properties that help protect against bacterial and fungal infections.
The ear naturally cleans itself. Movements of the jaw from talking, chewing, and yawning help to slowly move old earwax and trapped debris outward from the eardrum towards the ear opening. As the earwax reaches the outer ear, it typically dries and flakes away or is washed off during bathing. This continuous, self-cleaning system means that for most individuals, intervention is rarely needed.
Safe Approaches for Ear Cleaning at Home
Cleaning the outer ear with a damp washcloth is sufficient for most people. This gentle approach removes any earwax that has naturally migrated out of the ear canal. Only clean the visible outer part of the ear; avoid inserting anything into the ear canal itself.
When mild earwax buildup occurs, softening agents can be used at home, provided there is no history of a perforated eardrum or ear infection. A few drops of mineral oil, baby oil, or glycerin can be placed into the ear canal using an eyedropper to soften the wax. Hydrogen peroxide, typically a 3% solution, or a 50-50 mixture with water, can also be used to soften earwax. After a day or two of softening, a rubber-bulb syringe filled with warm water can gently flush the ear, tilting the head to allow drainage. This process may need to be repeated over several days until the earwax clears.
Methods to Steer Clear Of
Certain common ear cleaning practices are ineffective and dangerous. Cotton swabs, despite their widespread use, are strongly discouraged for cleaning inside the ear canal. Instead of removing earwax, they often push it deeper into the ear, leading to impaction against the eardrum. This can cause discomfort, hearing loss, and increase the risk of infection. Cotton swabs can also accidentally puncture the eardrum, a painful injury that may require medical attention and could lead to hearing loss.
Another practice to avoid is ear candling, which involves placing a hollow, cone-shaped candle into the ear and lighting the other end. There is no scientific evidence that ear candling effectively removes earwax. Instead, it carries serious risks, including burns to the face, neck, or ear canal from hot wax or ash. Ear candling can also cause ear canal blockages, perforate the eardrum, or lead to infections. Objects like hairpins, toothpicks, or keys should never be inserted into the ear, as they can scratch the delicate skin, cause infection, or damage the eardrum.
When Professional Help is Necessary
While many ears effectively self-clean, certain symptoms indicate that professional medical attention is needed for earwax removal. Persistent earache, a feeling of fullness in the ear, or a noticeable decrease in hearing are common signs of excessive earwax buildup that warrant a doctor’s visit. Other symptoms such as ringing in the ears (tinnitus), dizziness, or any discharge from the ear also suggest a need for professional evaluation. These symptoms could indicate an earwax impaction or a more serious underlying condition.
Healthcare professionals, including doctors and audiologists, possess safe and effective methods for removing impacted earwax. They can use specialized tools like a curette to manually remove the wax, employ suction techniques (microsuction), or perform irrigation with warm water or a saline solution. These procedures are performed under direct visualization, minimizing risks to the delicate ear structures. Seeking professional care ensures safe removal and addresses any potential complications.