Rockwell MD | Seattle, WA
It seems like common sense to clean your ear along with the rest of your body. However, it is not safe to clean more than your outer ear on your own at home. Did you know that no maintenance is required, as the ear is self-cleaning. Earwax which is naturally produced inside the ear and migrates from deeper inside to outside to clean the canal. It is beneficial so there is no need to remove it from the inside of your ear, as it will come out on its own. Exceptions are the few people that make more than the average amount of earwax; however, inserting a swab inside the ear is never the answer. Inserting anything into the ear can damage the ear canal or drum, or even worse, pushing the ear wax further into the canal. The safest way to remove wax buildup from your ears is to visit your ear doctor. A doctor can use special instruments to clear the blockage from inside the ear canal and may offer professional irrigation.
However if you do have an excessive amount of wax and your eardrum does not have a tube or hole, there are a limited number of self care options that can help remove the excess from your cancal.
1. Soften earwax: Use an eyedropper to apply a few drops of baby oil, mineral oil, glycerin or hydrogen peroxide in your ear canal.
2. Rinse with warm water: After 24-48 hours once wax has softened you can use a syringe to gently squirt and rinse out your ear canal with warm water. The position of your head during this process should be fully tilted to the side until you are finished irrigating, then tip your head to the opposite side to drain.
3. Dry your ear canal: When finished with the process, gently dry out your ear canal with a towel, or hand held dryer from a distance. Do no place anything inside the ear to dry. The best way to dry is to let it drain out and air out naturally.
It is ok to repeat step one, the wax softening process and set two, the irrigation process a few times before the excess wax comes out. Keep in mind that softening agents only loosen the outer layers of wax. Because of this there is the possibility that the loosened wax can fall deeper in the canal or against the drum. Please see your ear doctor if your symptoms worsen or do not improve.
Another piece of advice is if you are successful with home remedies to not clean your ears everyday. Space out this process for about 2 weeks, allow your natural conveyor belt to do its job before intervening.
Ready to seek professional help for ear cleaning? To make an appointment to see Dr. Rockwell, give our clinic a call at 1-888-624-3561, or use our online booking portal. We look forward to seeing you!
Dr. Rockwell can help evaluate and treat any hearing or ear problems. If you live in Seattle, Washington then visit the best ear doctor James Rockwell MD in your area. We will offer high-quality treatments to our patients in professional and friendly environments.
Call to make an appointment with Dr. Rockwell today!