How to clean (well) your ears and wax plugs

If you are reading this it is because you are concerned and want to remove the excess ear wax. First of all, you should know that earwax exists to protect the ear from bacteria, dust, water and external agents in general. That is, it is necessary and beneficial both humans and pets in the house so let’s see solutions for both.

However, some people produce more wax in their ears than they remove, which makes the wax builds up and hardens in the ear canal. In addition, when we clean them, the wax can accidentally get into the ear, obstructing it.

Keep a good hygiene of the ears is essential to avoid the accumulation of wax that causes the plugs. We already talked to you in another article about how to unclog your ears. Although some people produce more wax than others, having a routine cleaning can help remove excess wax.

Why does wax build up in the ears

In addition to possible external factors, the truth is that certain people have greater predisposition for the synthesis and accumulation of wax in the ear canals and the formation of plugs. Some of the favoring factors of the accumulation of cerumen are:

• Having a very narrow or damaged ear canal

• Having a lot of hair in the ear canal

• Dry Skin

• Traumatic use of cotton buds

• Use of hearing aids

• Poorly fitting earplugs or headphones

• Intense scratching

• Introduction of objects

• Having an inflammation of the ear canal (external otitis)

Symptoms of having ear plugs

• Hearing loss

• Earache or a feeling of plugged ears

• Ringing or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

• Vertigo (feeling dizzy and nauseous)

• Discomfort or pain in the external ear canal

• Feeling of hearing loss

• Itching

In some cases, wax plugs can be removed simply by softening the wax, for which water or baby oil is often used. However, in most cases, wax plugs will require professional treatment.

In the case of baby’s ear hygiene, experts recommend cleaning the ears with a towel with warm water, but only on the outside.

For the Adults, the same. The ears clean themselves. They do not need swabs or sprays no objects to remove the wax.

With the cleaning that is carried out with the shower and when washing the head on a regular basis, it will be enough.

How to remove wax plugs in the ear

Wax plugs are diagnosed with the otoscopio. To eliminate them, the following steps are usually followed.

• The ENT will tell you how to soften the plug during the previous 3 or 4 days with specific drops.

• On the day of the consultation, you will introduce pressurized water into the ear canal with the help of a syringe and will move your head to drain the water. Using the otoscope, you will check that the plug is outside the ear canal and the eardrum is intact.

• After removing the wax, the ear should be dried. You can also pour drops of boric alcohol to help dry the water.

• If the plug is very hard, the specialist will remove it with tweezers and the help of the microscope.

Usually, if there is earache removal of earwax It must be done with microscopic visualization and instrumental manipulation, to avoid damaging the eardrum with water, which may be inflamed. The otolaryngologist can also work on the earwax plug with other methods, such as suctioning the ear canal or using a curette.

How to clean earwax from cats

The cat’s ears are very delicate so don’t put anything in. We advise you to limit yourself to cleaning the outside where you can make wax, although usually they remove it themselves. The saying that cats are very clean is quite true.

If you find any residue, you can dip a gauze in physiological saline and remove it very gently from the animal.

How to clean earwax from dogs

You also have to be very careful with canine ears. You can wash them on the outside with a wet towel and on the inside with gauze. The most advisable thing is to go making circular movements. You can use a specific product for this area if you think your dog needs more intense care.