Your ears are an important part of your body, helping you hear and maintain balance. But did you know that your ears are also self-cleaning? Your ears produce earwax, also known as cerumen, which protects your ears against moisture, dust, bacteria, fungi, and insects. Earwax slowly moves out of your ears, along with skin flakes and other debris, and is usually removed naturally by your jaw movements.

However, sometimes you may have too much earwax, or the earwax may become too hard or dry. This can lead to an earwax blockage, which can reduce your hearing, cause itching, irritation, ear pain, ringing in the ears, or even an ear infection. Therefore, it's important to clean your ears regularly, but in a safe and effective manner. In this blog, we'll provide you with some tips and methods to keep your ears clean without damaging or irritating them.

What not to do?

Before we discuss the best ways to clean your ears, we first want to mention a few things you should avoid. Many people think they need to clean their ears with cotton swabs, but this is actually a bad idea. Cotton swabs can push earwax deeper into your ear canal, increasing the risk of an earwax blockage or perforating your eardrum. Moreover, cotton swabs can disturb the natural balance of your ear, making it drier and more sensitive.

Other objects such as hairpins, matches, keys, or candles are also unsuitable for ear cleaning. These can injure, infect, or burn your ear and have no proven effectiveness. It's better to avoid these methods and opt for safer and more effective alternatives.

What can you do?

There are several ways to clean your ears, depending on your personal preference, the amount and hardness of the earwax, and any accompanying symptoms. Here, we discuss three commonly used methods: ear spray, ear drops, and ear syringe.

Ear Spray

 An ear spray is a liquid that you spray into your ear to soften the earwax and make it easier to remove. There are different types of ear sprays available, usually consisting of a saline solution, an oil, or a combination of both. You can use an ear spray if you have a lot of earwax or if the earwax is hard, or if you want to clean your ears preventively. An ear spray is usually safe and easy to use, but you should follow the instructions on the packaging carefully. You can usually use an ear spray once or twice a week, or more frequently if necessary.

How to use an ear spray?

• Shake the ear spray well before use.
• Tilt your head slightly and apply the ear spray to your ear according to the instructions on the packaging.
• Keep your head tilted for a while so the ear spray can work effectively.
• Wipe away excess moisture and earwax with a tissue or cloth.
• Repeat if necessary for the other ear.

Ear Drops

Ear drops are another form of liquid ear cleaning, which you apply to your ear with a dropper or pipette. Ear drops usually have a similar effect to ear sprays but may sometimes contain different ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide, glycerin, or plant extracts. Ear drops can help dissolve and remove earwax, especially if you have an earwax blockage or an ear infection. Ear drops are generally safe and effective, but you should be careful not to use them too often or for too long, as they can irritate or dry out your ear. Always consult the leaflet or a doctor before using ear drops.

How to use ear drops?

• Clean the dropper or pipette with alcohol or boiling water and let it cool down.
• Warm the ear drops to body temperature by holding them in your hand or placing them in a bowl of warm water.
• Lie on your side with the ear to be treated facing up.
• Pull your earlobe slightly down and back to open your ear canal.
• Drop the prescribed amount of ear drops into your ear without inserting the dropper or pipette into your ear.
• Remain lying on your side for a few minutes so the ear drops can work effectively.
• Wipe away excess moisture and earwax with a tissue or cloth.
• Repeat if necessary for the other ear.

Ear Syringe

An ear syringe is a device that injects water or another liquid into your ear under pressure to flush out the earwax and remove it. An ear syringe can come in various forms, such as a rubber bulb, a plastic syringe, or an electric device. You can use an ear syringe if you have an earwax blockage or if you want to clean your ears thoroughly. An ear syringe is usually effective and painless, but you should be careful to use the right pressure and temperature and not to flush your ear too often or for too long, as you could otherwise damage or infect your ear. Only use an ear syringe if you have no cuts, infections, or tubes in your ear, and consult a doctor if you are unsure if it is safe.

How to use an ear syringe?

• Fill the ear syringe with lukewarm water or another suitable liquid, such as a saline solution or an ear rinse.
• Stand over a sink or basin and hold a towel or bowl under your ear.
• Pull your earlobe slightly down and back to open your ear canal.
• Gently insert the tip of the ear syringe into your ear without pushing it in too far.
• Inject the liquid into your ear with gentle pressure at an angle of about 45 degrees, so the liquid flows along the wall of your ear canal.
• Allow the liquid and earwax to drain out of your ear and wipe it away with a tissue or cloth.
• Repeat if necessary until your ear is clean.
• Dry your ear thoroughly by shaking your head or using a hairdryer on a low setting.

Your ears are an essential part of your health and well-being and deserve the necessary care and attention. Your ears largely clean themselves, but sometimes it may be necessary to give them a helping hand. You can do this with the help of ear sprays, ear drops, or ear syringes, which soften, loosen, and make it easier to remove earwax. These methods are safe and effective when used correctly and carefully. However, avoid using cotton swabs or other objects that may damage or infect your ears. If you are unsure about the best way to clean your ears or if you have persistent or severe symptoms, always consult a doctor or specialist.

Another option for cleaning your ears is the Haidu ear wax removal kit, an electric ear syringe with a built-in camera. With this device, you can flush your ears with water while seeing what's happening in your ear on a screen. This allows you to remove your earwax easily and accurately without damaging your ear. The Haidu ear wax removal kit is an innovative and convenient product that offers your ears a new dimension of hygiene and comfort.