Many people don’t know, but using ear buds to clean your ears can lead to blockage of the canals, a possible cause for hearing impairments.
Fun fact; ears have been proven to be self-cleansing, just like many other parts of our bodies. Sometimes though, build-up of wax, dirt, and other substances could make it hard to hear. That is usually a sign that it is time to do a bit of ear cleaning.
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Here are the right tips for cleaning your ears; both effective and safe:
- Using a wet washcloth
This is the simplest yet one of the safest ways of cleaning your ears. Soak a towel or a washcloth in some warm water and rid your ears of the dirt.
Remember to avoid sticking the washcloth too deep inside your ear to prevent damage to the ear canals or pushing the wax too deep into your ears.
- Using ear-cleaning drops
Just the way you use cleaning drops for the eyes, you can also use ear drops to clean your ears. Ear drops contain oils such as mineral oil, baby oil, hydrogen peroxide, saline, and other vitamins that help to soften the wax.
This eases the ear-cleaning process.
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- DON’T use cotton swabs
Using cotton swabs or buds is risky because you may damage your ear canals or drums by excessive poking.
Sure, there is a very satisfying feeling when you are cleaning your ears using a swab, but the damage is not worth that feeling. Inserting other objects like pen caps, needles or toothpicks causes an increased risk of getting ear infections.
- Visit your doctor
A doctor knows best. For the safest way to clean your ears, seek a doctor’s help. They use a syringe technique that sucks the ear wax out using water or ear lavage.
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Ultimately, doctors advise against cleaning your ears routinely. The ears have got themselves covered.
