5 Steps to Properly Clean Your Ears

Lots of people make mistakes when it comes to ear cleaning, and so this article should point all readers in the right direction. The last thing you want to do is engage in a process that will cause damage or make the situation worse. With that in mind, there is a step-by-step guide below that audiologists use when dealing with patients who have an earache and other auditory system discomforts.

Step 1: Ask an audiologist to remove the wax

You just need to get in touch with an audiologist if you want to get a buildup of wax removed from your ear. The experts will use any number of techniques to remove the blockage without causing any pain or discomfort. The process should take no longer than a couple of minutes, and you should notice the difference immediately. That is the most reliable ear cleaning approach that everyone should try.

Step 2:  Clean the outside of the ear with a damp cloth

When it comes to cleaning the outside of your ear, audiologists recommend that you use a damp, clean cloth for the best outcomes. Try to avoid dripping too much water inside the ear, and never use a cloth that’s dirty or covered in germs. You can then wipe the area using some toilet roll or something similar.

Step 3: Refrain from inserting cotton buds in the ear canal

While many people use cotton swabs to clean their ears, it’s not recommended to insert them into the ear canal. These are designed to clean the outer part of your ear and when inserted into the canal, can actually cause wax to become further impacted, in addition to potentially perforating the eardrum.  

Step 4: Try an earwax softener

For wax that is dried out or excessively hard, there are special earwax softening products available that some audiologists recommend to their patients. If you’re going to try something like that, make sure you consult an audiologist first. You always need to remain careful when pouring any substance into your ear, and it’s best to be on the safe side.

Step 5: Use a syringe to irrigate the ear

Many audiologists will use a syringe to irrigate your ear if you go to them complaining of pain or blockage. That is a process you can try at home if you invest in the right equipment. However, again, there are many dangers associated with the practice. So, you should only do that if your audiologist says it will help the problem.