Ear Cleaning Tips

Ear Cleaning Tips

Tip #1: If you already use Q-Tips, then be sure to hold the Q-Tip 1 inch away from the cotton tip that you are inserting into your ear. This will ensure that you never make accidental contact with your ear drum, which can cause injury. The wax glands that produce the earwax are near the outer edge of the canal, so this depth should be sufficient and safe. Use a rotating motion, swabbing all sides of the canal. DO NOT use a plungering motion, which ultimately pushes and compacts the wax deeper into your canal. (FYI: the cleanest ears we see use Q-Tips daily, but only when done safely & properly.)

Tip #2: If you own a hand-held showerhead with a rotating spray pattern dial, set the dial to the most direct/condensed spray pattern. While taking a warm shower, remove the handheld portion of your showerhead and irrigate each ear for 1-2 minutes, 1-2 days per week. The warm water will liquefy the wax and expel any other unwanted debris from your ears. Handheld shower heads are available at most retail or home improvement stores.

Tip #3: Use hydrogen peroxide or pure virgin olive oil to first loosen large amounts of old wax from your canal. Allow the liquid to stand in your ear for 5-10 minutes with your head tipped to the side, and then flush with warm water from a bulb syringe or using the method shown in Tip #2 above.

NOTE: These tips are not intended to be replace proper medical advise. Consult with your personal physician prior to using any of these methods.