Earwax might seem gross, but it's actually your body's way of keeping your ears healthy! It traps dirt and germs to protect your ear canal. But sometimes, too much earwax can build up. This can lead to problems like earaches or trouble hearing.
The big question: What are the safe methods for cleaning your ears?
Why you should never use cotton swabs.
You have likely seen people use cotton swabs (Q-tips) to clean their ears. But guess what? Doctors say this is a bad idea! Here’s why:
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Pushes wax deeper – swabs don’t remove wax; they push it further into your ear. This can lead to blockages.
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Can damage your eardrum – If you push too hard, you might hurt your eardrum (ouch!).
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Increases infection risk – Scratching your ear canal with a swab can let bacteria in.
So what should you do instead?
3 Safe Ways to Clean Your Ears
1. Let your ears clean themselves.
Believe it or not, your ears are self-cleaning! Earwax dries up and falls out as time passes. Wiping the outside with a damp washcloth is usually enough.
2. Use warm water (the safe way).
If you have too much wax, you can try gentle ear irrigation.
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Fill a bulb syringe with warm water (body temperature—not too hot or cold!).
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Tilt your head and apply light pressure to squirt water into your ear.
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Let it drain out (over a sink!).
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Dry your ear with a towel.
Note: Don’t do this if you have ear tubes or a perforated eardrum!
3. Try earwax drops.
Drugstores sell earwax softening drops (like Debrox). These help break up wax so it comes out with greater ease. Follow the instructions!
Cool Tech: Electric Ear Cleaners
Some people use electronic ear cleaners (like the Morfone Ear Cleaner). These devices use gentle water pulses to flush out wax without causing harm. They even have temperature sensors to make sure the water isn’t too hot or cold!
Morfone Smart Ear CleanerNot possible to remove the adverb. Most people don’t—regular cleaning methods work fine. If you think you have got a wax problem, ask a doctor first.
When to See a Doctor
Earwax can become stuck to a significant degree and requires professional help.
See a doctor if:
- Your ear hurts or feels clogged for days.
- You have hearing loss or ringing in your ears.
- Water gets trapped in your ear after swimming.
Final Tips for Healthy Ears
- Don’t stick anything in your ears (no swabs, bobby pins, or pencils!).
- Dry your ears after swimming to prevent infections.
- Leave earwax alone unless it is causing problems.
Your ears take care of their own cleaning for the most part. Keep them dry and avoid poking at them, and you’ll be fine. If you worry about wax build-up, ask a nurse or doctor for advice.
