Excessive earwax removal measures can actually be dangerous to the ears. Gentle, non-invasive techniques work best.
- Don’t over-clean – this can irritate the ear canal, lead to overproduction of earwax, and cause infections.
- Don’t use any objects to clean your ears. Cotton swabs, hairpins, and the like can cause abrasions in the ear canal or even a hole in the eardrum, leading to hearing problems, dizziness and tinnitus.
- “Ear candles” have not been proven effective at removing earwax, and could damage the ear canal and eardrum.
- See your doctor or speak to Hummingbird Hearingcare right away if you notice any hearing loss, fullness in the ears, drainage, ringing in the ears, bleeding or ear pain.
- Warm olive oil, apple cider vinegar, baking soda, salt water or hydrogen peroxide can help to loosen and expel ear wax. Make a warm solution and put a few drops in your affected ear, while lying on the other side so the solution can reach deeply into the ear canal. After 10 minutes or so, rinse out and carefully dry the ear. This will help to soften the earwax and allow it to come out on its own. Your doctor can also help to flush it out with a simple procedure.
- Steam helps too! Soak a cloth in hot water, place it in a cup and hold it over the ear. The steam will provide heat and help to loosen any hardened wax. For pain relief, a hot compress held over the ear can be useful as well.
If you are worried about your hearing or think you may have hearing loss contact us and one of our friendly team will be happy to discuss your concerns and advise the best course of action for you and your requirements.