Ears are usually self-cleaning, and there is no need to do anything more. However, sometimes wax can build up, causing discomfort and hearing loss. If this happens, you will want them cleaned. If you want to do this, make sure you understand what to do and what not to do to avoid exacerbating the problem.
Check Your Hearing
Wax build-up is one cause of hearing loss, but it is not the only one. If you are struggling to hear from one or both ears, it is worth getting your hearing checked. An internet search will show you places in your area where you can have your hearing checked. A search like ‘hearing test Christchurch’, if you live in that area, will give results such as www.imperialhearing.com/audiologist-near-me/christchurch.
Ways to Clean
Ear wax does in itself help keep the ear clean by trapping dust that enters the ear canal. But if you do need to clean, the most important thing to remember is not to use a cotton-wool tip or any other hard or sharp object into the ear. This will simply make the problem worse, as it pushes wax further down.
A few drops of water and sitting with the head tilted with a cotton-wool ball to prevent the water escaping can relieve a blockage. You can also use over-the-counter ear drops. These will often contain ingredients like hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide, docusate sodium, acetic acid or sodium bicarbonate. Or for those who prefer more natural ingredients, there are drops featuring olive oil, almond oil or peanut oil.
Get Professional Help
If you consult a professional, they may irrigate your ear. They will insert warm water or a solution of water and hydrogen peroxide into the ear with a syringe. They can also use an electronic jet irrigator.
Although you should never insert anything into the ear yourself, a professional may be able to manually remove ear wax using a small loop or spoon. They will also use a tiny microscope or a speculum to check that they are working safely.
