In general, most of us don’t think about the health of our ears until something goes wrong. And usually, our ears work just fine with little maintenance. Understanding a bit about how our ears work makes it easier to know how to care for them.
Cerumen, or the wax inside our ears is meant to be there. It helps to lubricate and protect your Ears. Without it your ear canals would feel dry and itchy, and would likely trap dust and particles in the canal. Since ear wax is antibacterial, the ear wax kills germs. Our ears are made to be self-cleaning. As you chew with your jaw, the old wax shifts down the canal, dries up, and falls out of the ear.
Cleaning
Qtips should never be used inside the ear. They work well for cleaning out the channels of the outer ear. A warm washcloth with soap and water works for cleaning behind the ears. Qtips can pack ear wax into the year, potentially blocking hearing. They can also introduce infection into your ear canal. Ear candles are also not a good option. These hollow candles are inserted into the ear and lit, with the idea that the heat will draw ear wax up into the stem of the candle. But they can cause burns, as well as pierce the eardrum. The best way to keep your ears clean is to pour a little mineral oil into your ear canal or you can purchase an earwax-clearing kit at your local drug store. Both methods will soften the wax inside your ear canal and clear it out.
Worrisome Symptoms
There are some symptoms to watch for that should be checked by a doctor. Always mention persistent hearing loss to your doctor, as well as:
- Pain or a feeling of fullness in your ear
- Feeling like your ear is plugged
- Partial loss of hearing, which worsens over time
- Ringing in your ear, known as tinnitus
- Itching, discharge, or a smell coming from your ear
- Coughing
We often take our healthy ears for granted. Understanding how to keep them functioning allows us to take care of them properly and ensure continued good ear health.
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