Cleaning Your Ears
Learn what you can do about clogged ears.
Cleaning Your Ears Safely
Hearing experts advise against using anything such as cotton swabs or your finger to clean inside the ear canal, which can actually push earwax further into the canal or damage the eardrum, leading to infections or hearing loss. A warm compress or over-the-counter eardrops can be safe options to clean your ears at home.
Standard steps for cleaning your ears should focus on the external portion of the ear. Using soap and a washcloth, gently clean behind the earlobe to remove dirt and oil, and do the same for the outermost portion of the earlobe. Use a towel to dry the outer ear thoroughly. Often, the wax may work itself out of the ear with patience.
In more severe cases, you can try softening the impacted wax to loosen it. Using a dropper, add some warm water or a saline solution to the affected side, keeping your ear facing up to allow the liquid to sit in the ear. After a few minutes, let the solution drain out of the ear while moving your jaw. Dab the outside of the ear with a clean cloth.
Ear Clogs and What to Do
If you’re wondering how to unclog ears in more severe cases, you can try softening the impacted wax to loosen it. Using a dropper, add some warm water or a saline solution to the affected side, keeping your ear facing up to allow the liquid to sit in the ear. After a few minutes, let the solution drain out of the ear while moving your jaw. Dab the outside of the ear with a clean cloth.
Clogged Ears and Earwax Buildup
Did you know that earwax is your body's natural defender, trapping dirt and dead skin and stopping them from getting deeper into your ear? Throughout the day, it works its way out of the canal as you chew, yawn, and speak without interfering with your hearing. If excess does build up, you may experience fullness in the ear, an earache, ringing in the ear, or conductive hearing loss. You can try yawning or opening your jaw wide, but if that doesn’t work, you may need professional ear wax removal.
Common Causes for excessive earwax:
- Frequent use of earbuds
- Swimming and other water activities
- Improper cleaning of hearing aids
- Unique ears structure (hereditary)
Other causes of clogged ears
Are your ears clogged because of earwax, or is there another contributing factor? Other common reasons for clogs include:
Water in your ears
Changes in altitude
Sinus infections
Ear infections
Symptoms of Clogged Ears
We strongly encourage individuals experiencing ear problems to seek professional help. While removing a blockage on your own is tempting, improper cleaning techniques can potentially cause further harm to your ears, such as pushing the wax deeper into the canal or perforating the eardrum. We offer safe, effective solutions for earwax buildup, ensuring your ear health is managed correctly.
Contact our hearing experts if you're experiencing:
- A sensation of fullness in the ears
- Difficulty hearing anything other than loud noises
- Itching or earache
- Tinnitus or ringing in the ear
- Drainage from the ear
Expert Support
Sometimes, a blockage can indicate other hearing issues. Turning to professionals ensures you remain safe while restoring sound clarity. Our hearing experts at our clinics use the right tools and techniques to examine your ears and offer gentle solutions that protect your ear health. If you experience hearing loss, dizziness, ringing, or discharge, it’s time for professional audio care for the best advice and hearing health care services.
Our hearing experts provide safe, effective solutions for earwax buildup, ensuring your ear health is managed correctly.
