Although they are not the best option if you decide to use swabs to clean your ears, remember that they are only intended for the outer part, not beyond the middle ear. To clean your ears naturally and without damaging them, several methods at home can be helpful. These are designed to slightly moisten the area and make it easier to remove excess earwax. Want to know more? If so, keep reading everything we’re going to tell you! Below we will tell you more about cleaning your ears, what you should consider, what you should avoid, and other aspects of interest that will help you a lot on a day-to-day basis.
Some Common Flaws When Cleaning the Ears
Many people clean their ears by inserting items such as swabs, cotton swabs, or toothpicks. In this way, they believe they can remove earwax. However, this could cause those foreign elements to alter the pH and decrease the ability to defend against germs. On the other hand, the ear has three parts: an outer part (outer ear), a canal (middle ear), and at the bottom of the eardrum membrane (inner ear). In the canal, the cerumen appears, which is the natural protection of the ear and is responsible for preventing water or other germs in our ears. Therefore, let’s now see how to clean them properly.
What Should You NOT Do When Cleaning Your Ears?
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Do not clean with your fingers; they quickly accumulate germs and bacteria.
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Avoid inserting swabs or swabs, as this pushes the wax, does not facilitate its removal.
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Don’t use candles to clean your ears.
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Don’t clean your ears daily, as it can backfire. Ideally, you should allow between 2 and 3 days.
#1. Use a Saline Solution
Saline solutions are said to be the best option when it comes to cleaning the ears naturally. To prepare it at home, you’ll need the following:
Ingredients
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½ cup of warm water (125 ml).
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1 tablespoon of fine salt (10 g).
Process
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First, in half a cup of warm water, add one tablespoon of fine salt and stir well.
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Then, soak a cotton ball in this solution and squeeze a few drops into the ear.
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Next, keep your head slightly tilted, with the treatment ear facing up.
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Finally, after a few minutes, tilt your head to the opposite side so that the solution comes out.
#2. Hydrogen Peroxide
Although some say that it is advisable to clean your ears with hydrogen peroxide, you must be careful when using it to irritate the ears. If you want to try, keep in mind that you should be cautious.
Ingredients
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½ cup of warm water (125 ml).
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½ cup of hydrogen peroxide (125 ml).
Process
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First, mix the warm water and hydrogen peroxide.
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Afterward, proceed the same way as with the saline solution and apply the mixture carefully with the help of a cotton ball or with a dropper.
#3. Baby Oil, Olive, or Mineral Oil
Another home remedy to clean the ears naturally at home is baby oil, although olive oil or mineral oil has also been used.
Ingredients
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A few drops of baby, olive, or mineral oil, as you prefer.
Process
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First, put a few drops in the ear to soften the wax and let the oil work overnight.
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Then, to prevent the oil from coming out before reaching the wax, place a cotton ball.
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The next morning, remove the cotton plug and wipe off the excess oil.
#4. Vinegar and Alcohol
This is another risky remedy, so you must be very careful if you decide to use it. To prepare it, you must perform the following steps.
Ingredients
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A couple of drops of white vinegar and rubbing alcohol.
Process
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First, mix equal parts of white vinegar and rubbing alcohol.
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Then, with your head bowed, pour a few drops of this preparation into the ear and leave for a few minutes.
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Finally, turn your head to the opposite side to drain the fluid.
#5. Treatment with Sterilized Water
Two drops of sterilized water at body temperature can also clean the ears. To do this, you only have to – very carefully – inject the sterilized water with a syringe into the ears for a few minutes and then dry them very well afterward with the help of a towel.
Why Would You Have to Consult With the Doctor?
Believe it or not, if you have doubts or feel discomfort, before proceeding to clean your ears with home remedies, it is best to consult your doctor. This will help you avoid counterproductive reactions that can increase discomfort. Should you intend to use a home remedy to remove the wax plug, always do so after consulting a professional like Choice Audiology. Otherwise, you’ll have an increased risk of complications and side effects.
