Ear cleaning is one of the very important habits that should be applied regularly because it represents great importance not only in hearing, but also in maintaining the balance of the body, but what are the correct ways to clean the ear? This is what you will know through this article.

Causes of wax buildup

Earwax plays an important role in protecting and moisturizing the ear, as it contains antibacterial properties; Which means that the ear is self-cleaning thanks to it.

But in the case of improper cleaning of the ear using pointed objects, such as a cotton stick, for example, this may lead to the wax being pushed deeper than it was and accumulating inside the ear, causing deeper problems such as severe hearing loss.

Benefits of ear cleaning

Maintaining ear cleaning helps the ear to perform its functions well, which is the ability to hear sounds well, in addition to helping and playing an important role in maintaining the balance of the body. Because of the nerve endings in the middle ear that help with this.

But on the other hand, the lack of regularity in cleaning them, especially in the correct way, may lead to their blockage. This is due to the accumulation of wax inside the ear.

Methods of treating ear blockage

There are many ways to clean the ear in order to get rid of ear wax blockage, the most popular of which are the following:

Ear cleaning syringe

A syringe is used to insert a little water to clean the ear. The ear canal should be gently rinsed with either water or saline. It is also preferable to use a wax softener about 15 to 30 minutes before the first time.

Ear cleaning with alcohol

The alcohol used in household cleaning is a used and safe way to clean the ear in cases of blockage or water entering the ear. Where both alcohol and white vinegar mix. A teaspoon is placed in one ear and then left to dry. Then we put it in the other ear.

What distinguishes this method is that this mixture helps kill fungus and remove accumulated wax, but despite that, some mild side effects may follow, such as: dizziness or tinnitus.

Ear cleaning drops

Ear drops can be used to remove wax without medical prescriptions, as it works to soften the wax, and it contains:

• Mineral oils
• Glycerin
• Brine
• hydrogen peroxide

This method depends on placing a specific number of drops on the ear, then waiting for a specific period of time and then rinsing the ear, and the number of drops depends on the internal leaflet or according to the doctor’s instructions.

olive oil for the ear

Put about two or three drops of regular olive oil on the ear two or three times a day, for a period of two to three weeks, as the olive oil works to soften the wax so that it is easy to get rid of without harming the ear.

Ear suction cleaning

Doctors use a microscope or endoscope with a camera to examine the ear well before beginning to remove the wax, and then use a device that looks like a small vacuum cleaner to suck out the wax inside the ear.

But before starting the aspiration process, the doctor should be informed about the current symptoms, and if there are any medications used or allergy medications.

Wrong ways to clean the ear

On the other hand, there are some wrong ways to clean the ear, which may lead to more ear blockage, so what are they?

• Using long cone-shaped candles to clean the ear by inserting the candle inside the ear and then lighting it, to pull the wax up using pressure. This may cause a fire in your ear or leakage of wax into your ear, not the other way around.
• Using cotton swabs for cleaning, this may lead to wax being pushed into the ear canal and clogging it instead of cleaning it.

How to clean the ear from the outside

Some doctors advise using wet cloths to clean the ear from the outside, to keep the ear from entering microbes, and this also helps prevent wax from entering the ear canal.

Important tips for ear protection

In addition to how to clean the ear, there are some tips that are recommended to be followed in order to maintain the health of your sense of hearing, namely:

• Do not insert small or pointed objects into your ear, as the wax can build up.
• Reduce your exposure to noise
• Periodically take breaks from using headphones
• Dry your ears after exposure to water, especially after swimming

In the end, the ear is of great importance in our lives, so it should always be preserved and cleaned regularly to protect it from the risk of blockage, and a doctor should be consulted immediately if any ear problem occurs.