Are you ears giving you trouble? You might think about completing some ear cleaning. With ear cleaning, you might think that you can get rid of the buildup of wax and ensure that you can hear more effectively. Or, you may believe that with a thorough cleaning, you can stop your ears from hurting, itching or even ringing. But, there are a few things you need to know about ear cleaning and information that only an expert like an audiologist can provide. First, consider the workings of your ear.

Ears are self-cleaning

When you wake up in the morning, you might have noticed that there is a build-up of earwax in and around your ear. Occasionally, it might have even reached the outside of your ear or dripped onto the pillow while you were sleeping. This is evidence that your ears are self-cleaning. When your jaw moves while talking or eating, earwax is pushed to the surface of your ear, bringing with it unpleasant substances like dirt and debris. As such, you don’t typically need to stick anything in your ear to clean it out. It should do this without your help. If there is an issue with a wax buildup, there are both harmful and safe methods.

How should I clean my ears?

Self ear cleaning should be very minimal. You should use a damp cloth to clean around your ear and around the outside area. You should not put anything up your ear canal. Doing so could actually damage your ear and lead to hearing issues. Be aware that your ear is very sensitive. It’s a unique and delicate structure, and it needs to be treated with care. That means that something like a cotton swab isn’t the best option. If you are concerned, speak to an audiologist, and you’ll discover that you shouldn’t be putting anything up your ear unless instructed to do so by an audiologist.

When does my ear need cleaning?

Some people do have issues with their ears where they need to be cleaned inside and out. Usually, this is due to a build-up of earwax that has been impacted. The impacted earwax will harden in the ear, and it won’t drip out as it should. Instead, it will stay firmly lodged in your ear blocking it. Pushing something inside your ear can actually cause this issue, and it is one of the reasons why it should be avoided. When your earwax has built up and hardened it can cause hearing issues, and you may find it far more difficult to hear clearly. It’s at this point that you should consult an audiologist.

How will an audiologist clean my ears?

An audiologist will conduct ear cleaning typically by using a warm liquid. Usually, a warm liquid, such as oil or glycerin, will be poured inside your ear in effort to soften the built-up wax. At this point, it will drip out of your ear naturally. It will reduce the hearing issues that you may have been experiencing quickly, and there will be no need to clean the inside of your ear with anything solid.