FAQs about Ear Cleaning

Bothered about ear wax?

From why do we need ear wax to how to remove it, here are some common FAQs about ear cleaning.

Why do we need earwax? 

Some ears produce more wax than others and it can become a nuisance. However annoying at times, ear wax does have an important role to play in the health of our ears.

The natural oils help to line skin of the ear canal, providing a protective barrier against dehydration. Indeed, its waxy nature also helps to trap dust, debris, and bacteria, so that it doesn’t build up in the ear. A clever mechanism called the ‘wax elevator’ slowly moves wax from the bottom of the canal up to the top and out, removing debris in the process. 

Without wax our ear canals quickly become hot and itchy, and are more prone to damage and infections which goes to show how important ear wax is. 

When should I have my ears professionally cleaned?

An accumulation of ear wax near the ear drum has similar effects to wearing ear plugs. If your hearing has dulled or become more muffled recently, then a plug of wax is one possible explanation.

If your hearing deteriorates then a checkup with your audiologist is a good idea, and they will examine the ear canal to check for blockages. The latter are often deep within the ear canal and careful removal by a professional is advisable.

What methods of earwax removal are there?  

The method used depends on the nature of the problem and your audiologist’s personal preference. One of three methods is most commonly used. These include:

• Physical removal: This involves using a special ‘spoon’ on a long narrow handle in order to scoop out the offending wax
• Irrigation: You may be more familiar with this as ‘ear syringing’ where fluid under moderate pressure is used to flush the ears clean.
• Microsuction: This sophisticated technique involves using a video otoscope with a special attachment that uses a vacuum to suck out the wax.

Can I clean my ears at home?

Most definitely, however, go easy on your ears and be gentle.

Oil based drops designed for ear cleaning are best. Apply a few drops after your shower (the heat and humidity help to soften wax). If you’re new to ear cleaning then apply daily for three to five days, which helps soften the wax and bring it up to the surface. Then simply wipe the entrance to the ear canal with a clean facecloth or towel.

A special note here to avoid using cotton swabs. Unfortunately these tend to force wax back down into the canal and cause impaction, making matters worse rather than better.

How often should I clean my ears?

This all depends on how much wax your produce. Those with very waxy ears should aim for once a weekly, less frequently with smaller quantities since over cleaning can dry the ear and make the canal uncomfortable.