The Dos and Don'ts of EarWax Cleaning
Earwax buildup can cause discomfort, reduced hearing, and other symptoms. However, cleaning your ears too much or too aggressively can cause more harm than good. It is essential to know the role of earwax and how to clean your ears properly. In this article, Dr. Berg, a renowned health and wellness expert, explains the best ways to clean your ears and how to deal with earwax buildup.
Understanding Earwax and Its Role in Ear Care
What is earwax, and why do we have it?
Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a sticky substance that forms in the ear canal. It is composed of dead skin cells, hair, and secretions from sebaceous and ceruminous glands in the ear canal. Earwax acts as a natural lubricant and cleaning agent, trapping dirt, dust, and other particles that enter the ear canal. The wax moves outward naturally, carrying dirt and debris with it.
Earwax also has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It contains lysozyme, an enzyme that helps to break down the cell walls of bacteria. The pH of earwax is slightly acidic, and it contains a massive amount of microbes, approximately ten million. These microbes are called commensal microbes, which means they have a mutually beneficial relationship with our body. The microbes provide an immune defense mechanism to protect against pathogens, preventing insects from going inside the ear, and stopping microbes from invading the inner ear.
The Dangers of Over-Cleaning Your Ears
The primary danger of over-cleaning your ears is that it can remove the protective layer of earwax, leaving the ear canal vulnerable to infections. Over-cleaning can also lead to the removal of friendly bacteria that protect the ear against pathogens. Additionally, over-cleaning can push wax further into the ear canal, leading to impaction and hearing problems.
What to Do for Overproduction of Earwax
In some people, the body produces too much earwax, leading to earwax buildup, also known as impacted earwax. Impacted earwax can cause symptoms such as earache, itching, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), reduced hearing, and vertigo. Impacted earwax can also increase the risk of ear infections.
The production of earwax is influenced by hormones, particularly androgens. High levels of androgens, such as testosterone, can stimulate the production of earwax. Insulin also plays a role in earwax production, so diet can affect the amount of earwax produced. A diet high in carbohydrates and sugar can cause insulin spikes, leading to increased earwax production.
How to clean your ears safely?
Cleaning your ears can help to remove excess wax and debris, but it is essential to do it safely. Inserting objects such as cotton swabs, bobby pins, or paper clips into the ear canal can push the wax further inside and cause injury to the ear canal or eardrum. It is crucial to use gentle cleaning methods that do not cause harm.
Hydrogen peroxide and olive oil
One safe and effective way to clean your ears is to use a combination of hydrogen peroxide and olive oil. Hydrogen peroxide helps to break down the earwax, while olive oil helps to soften and lubricate it, making it easier to remove. To use this method, follow these steps:
- Mix equal parts of 3% hydrogen peroxide and extra-virgin olive oil in a small bowl or cup.
- Lie down on your side with the ear you want to clean facing upward.
- Using a dropper or syringe, put a few drops of the mixture into your ear.
- Let the mixture sit in your ear for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Sit up and let the mixture drain out of your ear onto a towel or tissue.
- Gently clean the outer part of your ear with a washcloth or cotton swab.
View this in VIDEO (What Does LOTS of EARWAX Buildup Mean?)
Natural Remedies for Ear Infections
If you have an ear infection, you can try some natural remedies such as colloidal silver, grapefruit seed extract, and oregano oil. These remedies can act as a natural antimicrobial against bacteria, fungi, yeast, and viruses without causing side effects.
Also Read: 5 Home Remedies for Ear Infection
Ear Candling
Ear candling involves using a candle to remove earwax. However, this method is not effective since the earwax does not travel against gravity up into the tube. Instead, what you see inside the candle is the wax from the candle itself.
Is ear candling good for your ears?
Ear candling is a popular alternative therapy that claims to remove excess earwax and improve ear health. However, there is no scientific evidence to support its effectiveness, and it can even be dangerous.
Ear candling involves placing a hollow candle in the ear and lighting it. The heat from the candle is supposed to create a vacuum that sucks out the earwax. However, this method is not only ineffective but can also be dangerous. The heat from the candle can cause burns, and the wax from the candle can even block the ear canal.
Final Words
Earwax buildup is a common problem that affects many people, but it is important to understand the role of earwax and how to clean your ears safely. Over-cleaning your ears can lead to the removal of the protective layer of earwax, leaving your ear canal vulnerable to infections and hearing problems. One safe and effective way to clean your ears is to use a combination of hydrogen peroxide and olive oil. Natural remedies such as colloidal silver, grapefruit seed extract, and oregano oil can also act as a natural antimicrobial against bacteria, fungi, yeast, and viruses without causing side effects. It is also essential to avoid dangerous methods such as ear candling, which can cause burns and block the ear canal. By following these tips, you can protect your ear health and prevent earwax buildup from causing discomfort and other symptoms.