How Do You Clean Ear Wax Safely?
Many people use cotton buds to clean ear wax. In fact, the use of cotton buds can actually cause dirt to get deeper into the ear and can even cause injury to the ear. Then how do you clean ear wax safely? You can try several ways to clean earwax either you do it yourself at home or with the help of a doctor. The most important thing is to make sure the method used is appropriate and safe so as not to cause interference with the ears.
Ear Health Problems When the Ears Are Dirty
Earwax that has accumulated needs to be handled properly. If not treated properly, it can cause various health problems, such as:
- Ears itchy.
- Ear pain that doesn't go away.
- Ears ringing.
- Hearing disorders.
- External ear canal infection (otitis externa).
- Middle ear infection.
- Formation of a hole in the eardrum or a ruptured eardrum.
For this reason, avoid using objects that can actually harm the ears. Because the use of certain objects can be at risk of further deposition of earwax in the ear canal and cause inflammation.
When to Clean Earwax
Actually the ear canal does not need to be cleaned. But sometimes there are conditions where too much wax builds up in the ear causing discomfort.
Then, when to clean out ear wax?
- Ears feel like they are clogged.
- Ears feel full or even painful.
- Ears itchy.
- There was a ringing sound in the ear.
- Decreased hearing ability.
- There is fluid coming out of the ear canal.
- The ear canal emits an unpleasant odor.
How Do You Remove Ear Wax Safely?
So that when cleaning earwax that accumulates remains safe, there are several ways on how to clean ear wax safely, namely:
1. Using ear drops
To soften the lumpy earwax, you can use a medicine that is sold in pharmacies or put a few drops of baby oil and glycerin into the ear canal.
Make sure you are in a side-lying position and let sit for about 5 minutes until the earwax softens so that the wax is easily removed. You may need to repeat this process several times until all the earwax is removed. However, if you have an ear infection, avoid using these ear drops.
That's how to clean ear wax safely at home. However, be aware that this method is also risky because it can allow softened earwax to enter deeper into the ear canal. Therefore, if earwax does not decrease, then immediately check your ears to the doctor.
2. Medical treatment
If earwax has accumulated and is difficult to remove, you can have it checked by a doctor. Usually, the doctor will remove the earwax using a special tool or use a suction device.
How to remove ear wax safely that may be recommended by a doctor in addition to using special tools is an ear irrigation procedure. This procedure is done by running warm water to remove wax from the ear.
If the dirt that has accumulated in the ear canal continues to recur, maybe the doctor will recommend you how to clean the ear using medicine, such as carbamide peroxide whose use must be as directed by a doctor
So, from now on, don't hesitate to see a doctor, especially if you feel pain, itching in the ear, hearing loss, discharge or blood from the ear, an unpleasant odor appears from the ear and feel dizzy.
Also read articles about: How to Clean Baby's Ears Safely.
That's an explanation of how to safely remove earwax at home and medically. Hopefully this article on how to clean out ear wax safely can be useful.