Earwax…

Name: The Ear Depot
Address: 12 Dunn St., Barry’s Bay, ON, K0J 1B0, CA

Everyone has it, so let’s not get grossed out by it. Here are a few do’s and don’t when it comes to cleaning your ears of that pesky earwax.

Do understand that earwax is natural! It’s your ears’ natural lubricant to keep the canal moisturized and protect the inner parts from debris. If it’s not hindering your hearing, just leave it.
Do keep your outer ear clean. Ears are self-cleaning, but once it gets to the outer ear you can use a washcloth to clean that area only, nothing should go in the ear canal.
Do know the symptoms of wax build-up. These include:
- decreased hearing
- feelings of fullness or pressure
- ringing in the ears
- changes to hearing aid functionality (i.e. distortion or decreased volume)

Do ask your hearing health professional or medical professional about home remedies if earwax is a consistent issue.
- Try natural oils drops (anything that will soak into your skin – olive oil, coconut oil, mineral oil, etc.) or specific wax drops (Audiologists Choice or Miracle Ear). 5-6 drops in the ear, lay on your side for 20 minutes, and repeat. Best to do it at night before you go to bed.
- You can do this as needed or on a regular basis as part of your ear health regime.
- Note: Don’t use drops or other home remedies if you’ve previously had ear surgery or a hole in your eardrum.
Do seek a professional if you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms. Even if it’s not wax, these symptoms can indicate other conditions, such as ear infections or allergies. Your health professional or ear wax removal specialist can rule these out or provide you with further information.

Don’t clean your ears too frequently! Your ears need a bit of wax to best function. Over-cleaning can cause irritation, infections, etc.
Don’t put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear canal. This includes cotton swabs, bobby pins, keys, paper clips, pen lids, etc. to clean or scratch your ears. These can potentially damage your ear canal by cutting it or even puncturing the eardrum, or pushing the wax further into your ear. All of which can cause further problems.
Don’t candle your ears. Research has found this doesn’t actually remove the earwax and can cause dryness and irritation of your ear canals. The relief you may feel at first is from the heat soothing the ear canals, but unfortunately, it doesn’t last.

For more information about earwax removal services contact our office.

If you want a first-hand account, before getting your ears looked at, check out this blog.