What is the right way to clean your ears?

Ear cleaning may be necessary to remove wax plugs or other unwanted deposits in the ear canal. It is important to use safe methods to clean your ears and to contact a medical professional or audiologist if you have any hearing problems or uncomfortable symptoms. Here are some methods for cleaning your ears:

1. Rinsing the ear under pressure of water:

   • This is a procedure that is performed by a doctor or audiologist. During it, the specialist uses special equipment to flush the ear under control. This method can be effective in removing wax plugs.

2. Using lotions and drops to clean your ears:

   • Commercially available ear cleaning lotions and drops can help soften and remove wax plugs. Their use should be coordinated with your doctor.

3. Asoft pad or damp cotton towel:

   • You can gently blot your ears with a soft pad or cotton towel to remove soft deposits or wax from the outside of your ears.

4. Use of earlobes and cotton swabs:

   • If you want to clean soft deposits or wax from the outside of your ears, you can use earlobes and cotton swabs. But be careful not to insert them too deeply into the ear to avoid damaging the ear structures.

5. Professional examination and removal:

   • If you have a wax plug that you can't remove on your own, it's important to see a medical professional or audiologist for a professional evaluation and removal. They can use specialized tools and techniques to safely clean your ears.

It is important to remember that cleaning your ears yourself using sharp objects such as ear cleaning sticks or matches can be dangerous and can cause damage to your ears or eardrums. Never attempt deep ear cleaning without professional support or medical advice.

Indications for the procedure

Indications for ear cleaning may include the following conditions or symptoms:

1. Waxplug (earwax, ear canal burn): This is one of the most common indications for ear cleaning. A wax plug forms when wax, which is normally secreted by the ears, builds up and causes a blockage in the ear canal. This can cause symptoms such as hearing loss, itching, ear pain, dizziness and tinnitus.
2. Difficulty removing foreign objects: If a foreign object such as water, an insect or other object has become lodged in the ear canal, this may also require ear cleaning to remove it.
3. Dirty or dirty ears: Ear dirt or dirt buildup may require cleaning of the ears.
4. Sensation of stuffy ears: Some people may experience a sensation of stuffy ears, which may be due to wax plugs or other deposits.
5. Ear pain or discomfort: Ear pain or discomfort that is not associated with an infection may also be an indication for ear cleaning.
6. Hearing loss: If you experience hearing loss that is not related to an infection or other medical problem, it may also indicate a wax plug.

It is important to note that ear cleaning is best done under the supervision of a medical professional or audiologist, especially if you have wax plugs or other hearing problems.

Preparation

Ear cleaning is a procedure that should be done carefully and gently to avoid injury and damage to the ears. Here are some steps to prepare for ear cleaning:

1. Prepare the necessary materials:

   • A syringe or a special balloon for washing ears (available at the pharmacy).
   • Clean soft wipes or cotton balls.
   • Ear oil (such as olive oil) or specialized drops to soften wax plugs (as recommended by your doctor).
   • A tray or bowl to collect washed out sulfur or liquid.
   • Warm water.

2. Clean and prepare your workspace:

   • Make sure your workspace is clean and tidy before starting the procedure.
   • Prepare a tray or bowl for collecting garbage.

3. Coordination with a medical specialist (if necessary):

   • If you have high risks, allergies, medical problems or a history of ear damage, consult your doctor or ear specialist before starting ear cleaning. They can provide you with personalized recommendations and advice.

4. Warm the oil or drops:

   • If you need to soften the wax plug before cleaning your ears, warm the oil or drops slightly to room temperature. Do not heat them until they are hot.

5. Soft background and tranquility:

   • Perform the procedure in a quiet and peaceful place to avoid stress and tension.

6. Prepare for the procedure:

   • Sit comfortably or lie on your side so that the ear you are about to clean is accessible.
   • Ask someone to help you if necessary, especially when flushing your ears.

Technique of the ear cleaning

Ear cleaning is an important part of ear and ear canal care. It is important to perform this procedure carefully to avoid damage to the ear drum or eardrum. Here are the steps for proper ear cleaning:

1. Prepare: Before you begin, make sure you have all the supplies you need: clean cotton swabs, a soft towel, and a bowl of warm water.
2. Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them.
3. Soften the wax: If you have wax buildup in your ears, it can be helpful to soften it before cleaning. You can use special wax softening products or drop a few drops of oil, such as almond or olive oil, in your ears and let them soak in for a few minutes.
4. Cleaning the outer ear: First clean the outer ear with a soft towel. Gently wipe the ear drum and the skin around the ear.
5. Cleaning the ear drum: You can use cotton swabs to clean the ear drum. It is important to remember not to insert the wand deep into the ear. Clean only the visible part of the ear, moving along the contour of the shell.
6. Avoid flushing wax deep into the ear: Do not use cotton swabs to flush wax into the ear canal. Wax is the ear's natural defense, and it should come out the outside of the ear on its own. By inserting a wand into the ear canal, you risk moving the wax deeper and creating a problem.
7. Be careful: Never insert cotton swabs or any other objects deep into the ear canal. This may cause injury to the eardrum or other damage.
8. After cleaning: If you are left feeling wax lodged or have any other problems after ear cleaning, see an otorhinolaryngologist (ENT) for further evaluation and treatment.

Ear cleaning lotions

To clean the ears, lotions can be used to soften wax plugs or remove excess wax. It is important to use ear lotions only as prescribed by your doctor or audiologist and to follow the instructions on the package. Below are some common ear cleaning lotions:

1. Special hydrogen peroxide irrigations: Many ear cleaning lotions contain 3% hydrogen peroxide to help soften and remove wax plugs. These lotions are available at the drugstore. To use, a small amount of lotion is inserted into the ear, left in for a few minutes, and then the ear is rinsed with warm water.
2. Specialized Oils: Some lotions contain specialty oils, such as almond oil or olive oil, that help soften the wax plug. These are usually less irritating to the skin and may be gentler.
3. Lotions with antibacterial properties: Some lotions may contain antibacterial ingredients that help prevent ear infections during cleaning.
4. Lotions with natural ingredients: Some lotions may include natural ingredients such as aloe vera extract, camphor or eucalyptus that help reduce itching and inflammation in the ears.

It is important to remember that the use of any lotion or ear medication should be coordinated with your doctor or audiologist, especially if you have wax plugs or other hearing problems. Improper use of lotions or trying to remove wax plugs on your own can lead to complications and damage to your ears.

Ear cleaning drops

Presented in the market under different commercial names. Here are some well-known brands and their ear cleaning products:

1. Debrox Earwax Removal Drops: Debrox is a popular brand that offers drops for wax plug removal.
2. Murine Ear Drops: Murine offers ear cleaning drops that help soften and remove wax plugs.
3. Earex Advance Ear Drops: This product contains ingredients to soften and remove wax plugs.
4. Hyland's Earache Drops: These are drops that can be used to relieve the pain and discomfort of a wax plug.
5. Similasan Ear Wax Relief Drops: Similasan offerswax relief drops that can help soften and removewax plugs.
6. Audiologist's Choice Earwax Removal Aid: This product is designed to clean the ears and soften gray plugs.
7. Mack's Wax Away Earwax Removal System: Mack's Wax Away is a wax plug removal system that includes softening drops and a wax removal tool.

Ear wax candles for cleaning wax out of ears

There are several brands of ear candles that are sold under different names. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness and safety of such suppositories are questionable and their use can be dangerous. It is recommended to consult a doctor or ear specialist for safe and effective wax plug removal or for ear care recommendations. Below are some well-known brands of ear candles:

1. Biosun: This brand makes ear candles that may be available at some pharmacies and online retailers.
2. Wally's Natural: Wally's Natural offers organic ear candles that may be available in health stores and online.
3. Ear Candling Company: This company also makes ear candles for supposed ear cleaning.
4. HarmonyCone: Harmony Cone manufactures ear candles and offers them in the market.

Again, it is important to emphasize that ear candles are not recommended for self-use without medical supervision. The efficacy of these suppositories has not been proven, and using them may involve risks to your ear health. If you have ear problems, it is best to see a doctor or ear specialist for professional care and wax plug removal.

Cleaning your ears with earphones, cotton swabs or other objects

Cleaning your ears with earphones, cotton swabs or other objects inserted into your ears is not recommended as it can be dangerous and can lead to various problems and complications. Here are a few reasons why it should not be done:

1. Risk of ear damage: If you use earphones or cotton swabs too deep in the ear canal, you may damage the eardrum, ear frenulum or other parts of the ear. This can cause pain, bleeding and hearing loss.
2. Risk of wax plug sealing: When you try to clean your ear with earbuds, you may allow a wax plug to seal or thicken an existing wax plug, making it more difficult to remove and worsening symptoms.
3. Risk of infection: Headphones and cotton swabs can introduce bacteria and infections into the ear canal, which can cause an ear infection.
4. Risk of soft tissue injury: Using sharp objects such as matches or pins to clean the ears can cause damage to the soft tissue and mucosa of the ear canal.
5. Risk of losing an object in the ear canal: Sometimes objects inserted into the ears can break or become lost in the ear canal, requiring professional intervention to remove them.

For ear cleaning, safer methods such as using special lotions to soften wax plugs and pressure washing with a doctor or audiologist are recommended. If you have wax plugs, itching or other hearing problems, see a medical professional for evaluation and treatment recommendations. It is not recommended that you perform ear cleaning on your own.

Contraindications to the procedure

Ear cleaning, while an important part of hygiene care, can have contraindications and risks, and it is not always recommended to perform it yourself. Contraindications to ear cleaning include:

1. Past ear injuries: If you have ever had eardrum damage or other ear injuries, cleaning your ears may increase your risk of re-injury.
2. Surgery: After ear surgery, such as surgical wax removal (microtomy), it is generally recommended that you avoid cleaning your ears on your own.
3. Infections and Inflammation: If you have an ear infection, inflammation of the ear drum, or any other active ear condition, ear cleaning can make the problem worse and spread the infection.
4. Specific medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as vascular disease (e.g., Raynaud's disease), may increase the risk of ear cleaning damage.
5. Use of in-the-ear prostheses: People who use in-the-ear hearing aids or audio headphones should be careful when cleaning their ears to avoid damaging the devices.
6. Suspicion of serious problems: If you have symptoms such as unexplained pain, bleeding from the ear, significant hearing loss, dizziness, or other unusual symptoms, it is not recommended that you perform ear cleaning on your own. Instead, you should see a doctor for a professional evaluation.

Consequences after the procedure

Various effects can occur after an ear cleaning procedure, which can vary depending on the cleaning method, the condition of the ears, and the individual patient. Here are some of the possible effects that can occur after ear cleaning:

1. Softening of the wax plug: If the purpose of the ear cleaning was to soften and remove the wax plug, you may experience a fluid or moist feeling in the ear after the procedure. This is usually temporary and disappears after a few hours or days.
2. Hearing Improvement: After successful wax plug removal, many people notice a significant improvement in their hearing. However, sometimes hearing may be temporarily impaired but then recover.
3. Feeling of lightness in the ear: Many patients report a feeling of lightness in the ear after cleaning, especially if they have had a long-term wax plug.
4. Pain and discomfort: After the procedure, some patients may feel a slight pain or discomfort in the ears. This may be due to irritation of the ear canal or soft tissue.
5. Itchingand additional wax production: Sometimes itching and temporary increased wax production may occur after ear cleaning. This may be due to the fact that the cleaning irritates the ear canal.
6. Infections: In rare cases, an ear infection can occur after ear cleaning, especially if the procedure was performed under unsupervised conditions or with poor hygiene standards.
7. Increased risk of damage: If you are careless when performing ear cleaning procedures using sharp objects such as ear wands, there is a risk of damage to the ear frenulum, eardrum or other structures.

Complications after the procedure

Various complications can arise after an ear cleaning procedure, especially if the cleaning was performed unreliably or by an unskilled professional. Here are some of the possible complications:

1. Damage to the eardrum: Improper insertion of an instrument (such as a cotton applicator or wand) into the ear canal can damage the eardrum, which can cause pain, bleeding and hearing loss. Damage to the eardrum requires medical evaluation and treatment.
2. Infection: If the cleaning procedure is not performed in a sanitary manner, it can lead to the introduction of infection into the ear canal, causing inflammation and soreness.
3. Serous or bloody discharge: After ear cleaning, there may be a discharge of serous (clear) fluid or even blood for some time. This may be the result of trauma to the ear drum or eardrum.
4. Increased pain and itching: Improper ear cleaning can increase pain, itching and discomfort.
5. Allergic Reactions: It is rare but possible to have allergic reactions to ingredients used in ear cleaning, such as oils or solutions.
6. Wax build-up: If ear cleaning is performed without first softening the wax, additional wax build-up may occur.

Care after the procedure

After an ear cleaning procedure, it is important to follow the recommendations of your medical professional or audiologist to minimize the risk of complications and speed recovery. Here are some general recommendations for care after ear cleaning:

1. Avoid exposure to water: For a few days after ear cleaning, try to avoid exposing your ear to water. This will help prevent infections and soaking of earwax.
2. Do not insert objects into your ears: Do not insert any objects, including cotton swabs and earphones, into your ears after cleaning. Doing so may damage the frenulum or eardrum.
3. Follow medication recommendations: If your doctor has prescribed any medications, such as ear drops, follow his instructions for their use.
4. Avoid dust and dirt: Try to avoid getting dust and dirt in your ears. You can use a soft bandage or gauze to protect your ears if necessary.
5. Do not attempt to clean the ears yourself: After the procedure, it is not recommended to clean the ears yourself using cotton swabs or other objects. Wait until the earwax or medication has been completely removed by a professional.
6. Follow the recommendations for monitoring: If you experience any new symptoms, pain, bleeding, or hearing loss after ear cleaning, contact a medical professional for further evaluation.
7. Follow Recovery Plan Recommendations: If your doctor has suggested a recovery plan for you, including follow-up appointments or checkups, follow that plan.

Literature

Palchun, V. T. Otorhinolaryngology. National manual. Brief edition / Edited by V. V. Т. Palchun. - Moscow : GEOTAR-Media, 2012.