LIBERTY Hearing & Health

Spring Cleaning for your Ears!

Now that you have all returned from your relaxing, beach bound Spring Break vacations, it maybe a good time to think about cleaning your ears!  What's the best and safest way to clean your ears? Just follow these simple steps from Dr. James Hubbard:

1. DON’T use cotton swabs, such as Q-tips. They pack the wax in and may damage your ears.  Never use anything to clean your ears that’s smaller than a finger in a washcloth.
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2. DON’T use ear candles for removal. Again, you can damage your ears. The debris you see after using them is waste from the procedure, not contents from your ear.
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3. DO purchase an earwax-removal kit. Put a few drops of the solution in your ears before bedtime for several nights. The wax will become soft and may come out on its own during the night. Visit Liberty Health Supply for some terrific options:  Ear Wax Removal Kits
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4. If it doesn’t, DO try irrigating your ears with the bulb syringe that comes with the kit.
   • Use lukewarm water so you won’t get dizzy.
   • While irrigating, grab the back of your ear with your other hand. Pull backwards and slightly upwards. This straightens and opens the canal so the water can get to the back better.
   • You’re through if you see a glob of wax come out. Stop anyway if you don’t see one within about five minutes or if you have pain or dizziness. You can try again in a few hours. By that time the wax should be even softer.
   • After you finish put a couple of drops of alcohol in your ear. You can mix it with peroxide if you have it. The alcohol helps dry up excess water.
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5. If the irrigation works, DO use the removal solution in your ears at night every week or so to keep the wax soft and coming out. You won’t need the syringe again, or will only need it rarely.

If you can’t get the wax out after a couple or three sessions, just stop until you can see a health-care provider. You don’t want to irritate the ear so much that it leads to an infection.