“How do you clean ears properly? Many people use cotton buds to clean their ears. In fact, the use of cotton buds can actually cause dirt to get deeper into the ear.“
Earwax or cerumen is generally a soft lump that is produced naturally from the oil glands in the ear canal. However, cerumen is more than just dirt in the ear.
This dirt actually functions to protect the ear, catch dust, inhibit the growth of germs, and keep water from entering the ear.
Earwax is actually not going to cause a problem, if the amount is not excessive.
If there is too much, earwax can clog the ears, causing pain and hearing loss.
This condition is known as cerumen prop and needs to be cleaned immediately. However, if cleaning the ears is done the wrong way, it will result in more dirt being pushed into the ear.
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Various Health Problems When Ears Are Dirty
Earwax that accumulates needs to be handled properly. Otherwise, it can lead to several health problems, such as:
- Ears itchy
- Ear pain that won’t go away
- Hearing disorders
- Ears ringing
- External ear canal infection or otitis externa
- Middle ear infection
- Formation of a hole in the eardrum or a ruptured eardrum
Avoid using objects that can actually harm the ears. Instead of being successfully removed, earwax is at risk of further settling in the ear canal and causing inflammation.
Various Ways to Clean Ears
To stay safe while cleaning the accumulated earwax, there are several ways to clean your ears, including:
– Using ear drops
Using over-the-counter ear drops at pharmacies or drugstores can be one way to clean earwax. This medication can soften the clot, making it easier for stool to pass.
For 2-3 days after using the earwax softener, tilt your head and drip warm water into the affected ear canal, then tilt your head to the other side to remove the earwax. Drain the water from the ear canal, then dry it gently with a towel.
You may need to repeat this process several times until all the earwax is removed. However, do not use this method if your ear is infected or has had ear surgery.
This method also risks making softened ear wax deeper into the ear canal. Therefore, if ear wax does not decrease, immediately get your ear checked by a doctor.
– Medical treatment
If earwax has accumulated and is difficult to remove, you can go to the doctor. Usually, the doctor will use a special tool to remove ear wax or use a suction device to clean ears.
Another step your doctor may recommend is an ear irrigation procedure. This procedure is performed by running warm water to remove ear wax.
If the buildup of earwax continues to recur, the doctor may recommend a way to clean the ear using drugs, such as carbamide peroxide, which must be used according to the doctor’s instructions.
Don’t hesitate to see a doctor, especially if you experience ear pain, hearing loss, dizziness, itching, discharge or blood from the ear, and a bad smell from the ear.
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