Ear wax (cerumen) is a natural substance produced by the ear canal to keep it dry and protect it from bacteria and infection. Normal activities such as chewing and talking actually slough off excess ear wax over time so this ear cleaning is really for the sake of appearance. Cleaning using hydrogen peroxide and good ear hygiene will keep your ears clean and remove excess wax that may be interfering with your hearing.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Cleaning with Hydrogen Peroxide
Step 1. Set up a work station for cleaning ears
You will be lying on your back during ear cleaning so have all the necessary equipment within your reach. Spread a towel on the floor where your head will rest. Then, keep a small bowl of 3% hydrogen peroxide, a medical dropper, and a small towel close at hand.
Step 2. Lie on your back with your head turned to the side
Lie down with your head resting on a stretched towel. Tilt your head to the side so that the ear to be cleaned is facing up.
Step 3. Place a small towel on your shoulders
Before starting the cleaning, place a small towel on the shoulder of the side of the ear to be cleaned. This towel will protect the clothes from stains and retain the solution used to clean the ears.
You can also spread a sheet of plastic under the towel before starting. This helps keep clothes and floors clean
Step 4. Put 1-3 ml of 3% hydrogen peroxide into the ear
Take 1-3 ml of a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution with a pipette, and drop it into the ear canal. You will hear a hissing sound, which is normal. Even if it feels a little ticklish, try to stay relaxed. Allow the solution to remain in the ear for 3-5 minutes.
- If it helps, you can pull the tip of the earlobe to widen the opening in the ear canal while dripping the solution.
- Do not press the dropper into the ear canal while dripping the solution. The ear canal is very sensitive and easily damaged by pressure.
Step 5. Drain the solution from the ear onto a small towel
When 3-5 minutes have passed, take a small towel and hold it until it covers the cleaned ear canal. After that, sit down and tilt your head so that the excess ear wax and solution (which should be clearly visible) comes out onto the towel. Dry the outside of the ear with a towel if necessary.
Repeat the cleaning process on the other ear
Step 6. Use the shower method if you are in a hurry
If you have short time, drop a few drops of hydrogen peroxide into each ear 10 minutes before showering. You don't have to lie down. The solution will soften the ear wax, and it will be washed away with other debris while bathing. Dry the outside of the ear with a clean towel when drying yourself.
Part 2 of 2: Be Careful in Using Peroxide
Step 1. Clean the ears with hydrogen peroxide twice a week at first
Ear wax is actually normal and has antibacterial properties to keep the ears healthy. Most people with normal ear wax production don't need to clean their ears with hydrogen peroxide more than twice a week.
- After two weeks of cleaning twice a week, switch to cleaning twice per month, then after two months, switch to cleaning twice per year.
- Consult this ear cleaning with a doctor. Cleaning too often can damage your ears, so it's a good idea to discuss your reasons for wanting to have regular cleanings with your doctor.
- Ask your doctor about ear cleaning devices, such as Debrox.
Step 2. Avoid using cotton swabs for the ears
Earwax normally only covers the outer third of the ear canal, but cotton swabs actually push the ear wax deeper than it should. Over time, this can lead to a dense earwax plug near the eardrum which can seriously impair hearing.
Doctors also advise against using cotton swabs in cleaning the ears, as well as other objects, such as hair pins
Step 3. Stay away from peroxide cleaning if you have ear tubes
If you've had surgery that included an ear tube, try not to use peroxide to clean your ears. While they can treat recurring ear infections, they actually use a permanent hole through the drum to allow air to pass through the middle ear. Cleaning the peroxide will cause fluid to seep into the middle ear and cause complications or infections.
To clean a plugged ear, use a clean tissue to wipe any excess ear wax out of the ear canal. It's best to try not to let any water get into your ears
Step 4. See a doctor if you have ear pain or discharge
While ear wax is usually normal, if it's excessive and accompanied by pain and strange discharge, it's best to see a doctor immediately for a checkup. Ears that are too hot to the touch or accompanied by fever also need to be checked by a doctor.
