The ears are complex and self-cleaning, so medical professionals often state that ear-cleaning isn’t necessary for most people. Some people do produce more ear wax than others, and an audiologist may suggest that cleaning is sometimes needed for comfort and hearing. Here are several tips to ensure you’re cleaning your ears correctly.

Common Ear-Cleaning Mistakes

1. Using Q-Tips

Most people think of Q-Tips and cotton swabs as ear-cleaning tools, but they aren’t. They often push ear wax deeper into the ear, which can impact how well you hear. 

There’s also a chance they’re inserted too far and could damage the ear drum, small bones, or become stuck. You’ll then need to see an audiologist to remove it and assess for any hearing damage. 

2. Candling

Candling is a popular treatment where people place a cone-shaped candle into their ear canal. This, supposedly, creates a vacuum that draws out ear wax and other debris from deeper in your ear. 

Audiologists advise that this is a dangerous home treatment that can result in serious ear damage, including burns and ear drum perforations, so never try it. If ear wax, hearing, and discomfort are ongoing issues, see an audiologist for assistance.

3. Inserting Foreign Objects

Whether it’s a pen, finger, or scraper advertised for ear cleaning, don’t insert it into your ear canal. You can introduce countless bacteria that could cause a painful infection. 

There’s also the chance you puncture the ear drum or cut the inside of your ear. Instead, a healthcare professional can use an irrigator. These devices safely introduce water to the ear canal to flush out ear wax.

Don’t let hearing issues go unaddressed. Northwest Alabama Hearing Clinic provides comprehensive audiology services to residents of Hamilton, AL, and surrounding communities. Based on symptoms, they’ll provide specialized testing and then offer solutions like hearing aids, if needed. Call (205) 952-9944 today to schedule audiometric testing or a physical exam. Visit their website to learn more about their services and connect on Facebook to discover more health tips.