Ear cleaning isn’t usually something you need to do, since the ear has its own self-cleaning mechanism — earwax exists precisely for this, cleaning the ear while also protecting it and keeping it hygienic.
In situations where, for some reason, this self-cleaning mechanism doesn’t work properly — for example, because too much earwax is produced — you’ll need to clean the ear and keep up proper hygiene. Below, we share some tips for doing this correctly, without causing any injury or damage.
Daily cleaning of the outer ear
- Dry your ears well after showering or bathing: Use a soft towel to remove excess water from the auricle and the fold behind the ear, drying the outer ear well with a dry towel — this keeps the ear clean and healthy.
- Avoid using cotton buds: Inserting them into the ear canal can push wax further in, stopping it from clearing naturally and increasing the risk of damage to the eardrum.
- Clean with a damp cloth: Dampen a soft cloth with warm water and gently clean the auricle, without inserting it into the ear canal.
How to clean the ear canal in cases of excess earwax or blockages
- Wax-softening products: Pharmacies sell drops or solutions based on hydrogen peroxide or mineral oil to soften wax and make it easier to remove. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and check with a doctor or pharmacist if you have any doubts.
- Ear irrigation: This technique should be carried out by a hearing health professional, such as an ENT doctor or a hearing care specialist. It involves introducing warm water or saline solution into the ear canal to dissolve and remove built-up earwax.
- Microsuction: Another professional technique for removing stubborn earwax blockages. A small suction device is used to remove the wax precisely and safely.
Preventing earwax build-up
- Use earplugs when swimming or showering: Keep water out of the ear, especially if you’re prone to earwax blockages. Anyone prone to ear infections (very common in young children), or who has a perforated eardrum for any reason, should also protect their ears with swimming moulds.
- Maintain a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruit, vegetables and fibre can help prevent dryness and flaking of the skin in the ear canal, reducing earwax build-up.
- Avoid exposure to loud noise: Prolonged headphone use or exposure to noisy environments can irritate the ear canal and increase earwax production.
When should you see a specialist?
- Ear pain: If you experience ear pain, especially if it comes with other symptoms such as discharge, ringing or hearing loss, it’s important to see a doctor or an ENT specialist.
- A persistent earwax blockage: If you notice an earwax blockage that doesn’t clear with home methods, or that’s causing significant discomfort, see a specialist to have it removed safely.
- Reduced hearing: If you experience sudden or gradual hearing loss, it’s important to see a hearing care specialist to rule out more serious hearing problems.
Have questions about cleaning your ears, or dealing with recurring blockages? Visit our hearing centre in Valencia, at C/ Juan Llorens 7, for personalised attention from our experts. We look forward to seeing you!
References
Limpieza e higiene del oído – Elsevier (Spanish)
La mejor manera de limpiar tus oídos – El Confidencial (Spanish)
Extracción de la cera de los oídos – SciElo (Spanish)
