Ear cleaning is a practice that always leaves a margin of doubt about the correctness of the method used. The ears are in fact one of the most complex organs in the human body. The auditory system does not only have the function perception of sounds, but also that of balance and orientation.
Knowing how to take care of the ear in the most correct way, preserves from the onset of diseases partly due to the excessive presence of ear wax. Or in the presence of water entering the ear canal, or in foreign bodies and infections.
The method of cleaning the ears also varies according to the person, age and the dysfunctions that can occur such as eardrum perforation or otitis. In this article we will deal with the routine cleaning and the case of large ear wax production. Here is a guide for everyone on how to clean your ears the right way.
How the ear works
The ears have a self-defense mechanism which includes the ability to clean the ear canal spontaneously. In the ear canal, which leads to the eardrum membrane that receives external sounds, there are two glands. Both produce earwax, a substance necessary to protect parts of the ear from external objects and dirt that would be harmful. The earwax will then be expelled from the ear and that is why the cleaning we are talking about should only involve the external part of the ear, that is the auricle.
Regular cleaning of the baby’s ear
For children, the issue of ear cleaning becomes more delicate. It would be preferable to deal only and exclusively with the external pavilion. As for adults, the use of sticks in the specific case of children is prohibited. Unexpected movements of the child, or lack of delicacy and inappropriate gestures can seriously damage the ear canal.
So it would be better to get a specific ear spray for children, which is gentle and does not cause irritation or stagnation of liquid.
A guide for everyone on how to clean your ears the right way
Although the sale of cotton buds shows no signs of decreasing, this method of cleaning the ear is the least recommended. The use of these small sticks risks putting the ear wax back in depth, creating plugs, lesions of the pavilion and the tympanic membrane.
So it is preferable to take care of cleaning the auricle using non-cold water, a neutral soap and damp cotton or a handkerchief. Cleaning must be followed by rinsing of the part and drying, to avoid stagnation of water and humidity.
As for how often and when the ear needs to be cleaned, it can be said that there is no exact rule. A cleaning as indicated above can be done every day.
Excessive presence of earwax
If the earwax production is excessive, which can be characteristic of a person, it is possible to run into stagnant water or plugs. In both cases, it will be necessary to use specific ear sprays to help dissolve the excess earwax.
There are various oily or emollient sprays on the market that eliminate the cork. If this is stubborn, then a visit to the otolaryngologist will solve the problem with special washes that only a specialist can do. For less serious ailments, a home remedy is to use an infusion of chamomile or del hydrogen peroxide in the ear canal (always consult your doctor before doing so).
