How should I clean my ears?

Ever heard the saying don't put anything smaller than your elbow in your ears? Well, it's true for the most part. So, if that is the case, how do you get rid of irritating earwax?

Earwax, or cerumen, is a natural occurring substance produced by our bodies. It gradually moves along your ear canal taking dirt, bacteria, and other debris such as dead skin cells with it. It is an entirely natural mechanism that helps keep your ears clean and healthy. Under normal circumstances it works its way out of your ear on its own through jaw movements such as chewing.

If the system is working properly you don't have to clean your ears, just take a cloth or cotton swab and apply gently to the outside of your ear, around the canal, to get rid of wax that has already worked its way out. DO NOT STICK THE SWAB INTO YOUR EAR CANALS!

Sometimes the wax doesn't come out by itself, leading to something called impaction. When this happens your ears may become sore, itchy, or feel like they're full. Your hearing may also be affected so that sounds seem dull or harder to hear. Tinnitus can be another symptom of impacted wax.

If impaction does happen the safest thing to do is see your doctor, where they can remove the wax with special intruments or irrigation. If you want to try to remove it at home you can use wax softening substances such as mineral oil or on of many over the counter solutions. Apply the oil or solution with a dropper and wait for 10 - 15 minutes, then drain the ear by tilting your head or lying on your side. If this method does not work after a week or two, make an appointment with your doctor.

For more infromation please contact Accurate Hearing at:

Lower Sackville: 902-252-3004

Cole Harbour: 902-406-4327