How to Clean Ears Properly

A Clean Ear

"Never put anything in your ears that is smaller than your elbow." This might be old-fashioned medical advice, but the main point of this saying still holds true. You want to be careful cleaning inside and around your ears. Inserting small objects into your ear to clean out the earwax can perforate the ear drum or cause a painful infection. Earwax is the natural way your body protects the ear canal from outside contaminates. Occasionally, the earwax production leads to buildup and you might find it necessary to clean your ears. Here are some tips on how to clean ears properly.

Things You'll Need

• Washcloth
• Warm water
• Mild soap
• Cotton swabs
• Earwax removal kit
• Towel or tissue

Instructions

1. Wash the outer portion of your ears. Because the outer part of the ear is exposed to the elements, it can get rather dirty and sticky. Gently rub the backs and the outer edges of your ears with a slightly soapy, damp washcloth. Rinse the washcloth in warm water to get rid of the soap residue and then run it over the parts of the ear you've just cleaned.

2. Clean the outer canals of your ear with a washcloth. This is the part of your ear with all of the ridges and creases that trap excess earwax and dirt. Use a damp, slightly soapy cloth to lightly scrub this area, making sure to follow the natural curves of the ridges. Rinse the cloth with warm water and then use the damp cloth to clean the soap off of your ear.

3. Swab the outer canals of your ear with a cotton swab. Gently rub your outer ear canals with cotton swabs. This should clean up all of the earwax. Do not use the swab on your inner ear.

4. Clean your inner ear. Lie flat on your back with your head tilted sideways so that one ear is facing up. Following the directions that came with the earwax removal kit, put a few drops directly into your inner ear. You might feel a slight fizzing or warming sensation as the cleanser starts softening the wax. Wait a few minutes until the fizzing has stopped, then sit up and allow the liquid to flow out of your ear and onto a small hand towel or tissue. Repeat this process for your other ear.

5. Use a cotton swab to wipe up any of the earwax removal liquid that may have run onto the outer parts of your ear. Do not use a swab to dry your inner ear, however.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean your ears after showering. The steam and water loosens up all the crud so the cleaning process is much easier. Consult your doctor or an ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT) if you have frequent, problematic earwax buildup.

• Never use cotton swabs or household objects, such as paper clips or keys, to clean your ear canal. These items might damage your inner ear and push the earwax deeper into your ear instead of remove it. Don't clean your ears with the earwax removal kit if you have an ear injury. You could introduce contaminants into the wound.

References

• Cleaning Ears Properly
• Earwax Buildup