Today, there are so many misconceptions about cleaning your ears, it can be hard to sift through the debris and listen to what is right. Many people think that ears should be cleaned by jamming a cotton swab into it and scrapping out all the wax. This is not only incorrect, but it can be seriously dangerous! The doctors at Westside Ear, Nose & Throat in Glendale, AZ, want you to know how to safely clean your ear. Dr. Sudhir Agarwal, Dr. Ravi Agarwal, and Dr. Daniel Bos are highly skilled ENT doctors who always have your best interest in mind when it comes to your ear, nose, and throat health.
Ear cleaning misconceptions
It is a common misconception that earwax is dirty and does not belong in your ear. This is just not true. Earwax is a protective product purposely produced by the body. It can prevent dirt from entering the ear hole and it lubricates the ear canal. Only in some cases can this wax build-up cause problems.
Another big misinterpretation is that your ear should be cleaned with cotton swabs. Most ENT doctors advise against this because the swab can push earwax into your ear, causing blockages and damaging the canal. The doctors at Westside Ear, Nose & Throat in Glendale offer many safer options to clean your ear.
Safely cleaning your ear
Do not worry about earwax build up too much. Loose earwax will naturally find its way out of the body just from you talking, chewing, and going about your day. If want to clean your ears safely, here are some of the best options for you:
Clean the outer ear folds and lobes gently while you bathe. In these fold is where old wax can build up. Lightly cleaning the area should clear out any unnecessary debris. Do not stick anything in your ear canal while you clean it as it could lead to an ear infection from the water trapped inside.
Another safe method you can use at home involves oil to soften your earwax. Using an oil, such as glycerin, mineral oil, baby oil, or olive oil, you can break up your earwax and make it easier to clean. First, heat the oil to a comfortable temperature. Then, put a few drops into the affected ear with an ear dropper tool. Wait approximately 10 minutes, then let the oil trickle out. After, wash your ear with a cloth or cotton ball, and you are done!
If you do have a serious cerumen build-up, you can visit your ENT doctors to get professional relief. Ear, nose, and throat doctors use special instruments to exam your ear and can remove any wax safely with a curette tool or by suction.
Safe ways to clean your ears exist! Call your Glendale, AZ, ENT doctors, Dr. Sudhir Agarwal, Dr. Ravi Agarwal, and Dr. Daniel Bos of Westside Ear, Nose & Throat at (602) 938-377 to find out more about safe ear cleaning methods.