Easy and right way to clean your ears without cotton swabs
Illustrative photo (Freepik)
The production of earwax in the ears is a completely natural process, as it is crucial for the normal functioning of the auditory organs, protecting the ear from the infiltration of bacteria, viruses, and fungi while expelling dead epithelial cells. However, if you still want to clean your ears, do it properly.
Dr. Volodymyr Yatskiv from Chernivtsi says cotton swabs are not suitable for this and recommends taking a piece of cotton, twisting it into a small wick, and using it to clean your ears.
How to properly clean your ears
The doctor advises against using cotton swabs for this purpose. Take a piece of cotton, twist it into a small wick, and use it to clean your ears.
"Whatever you can clean is yours; anything you can't, should be cleaned by an ENT specialist."
Preventing the formation of earwax plugs
The doctor mentions that there are no medications with proven effectiveness. However, good options include special ear drops and sprays containing various oils. Using them 1-2 times a week can soften the wax, facilitating its expulsion during conversations.
Causes of earwax blockage
- Improper ear hygiene, when accumulated wax is pushed beyond the cartilage bridge during ear cleaning.
- Water entering the ear during bathing or washing, softening the wax and causing excess to move into the ear canal, potentially blocking it.
- Previous illnesses such as otitis and sinusitis.
- Increased gland activity leading to excessive wax production.
- Anatomical factors like a narrowed or twisted ear canal.
- Skin damage inside the ear canal due to irritation from cotton swabs, hearing aids, headphones, etc.
- Prolonged exposure to a dusty environment.
