4 mistakes to avoid when removing earwax

Earwax buildup and blockage is a common condition that almost everyone experiences. Earwax that accumulates for too long can easily form wax plugs, creating conditions for bacteria to grow, causing inflammation, pain, and hearing loss. People can remove wax themselves or need the assistance of an ENT specialist. However, when self-cleaning, you need to avoid some of the mistakes below.

Use a cotton swab or sharp object: Avoid using cotton swabs every day to clean your ears, especially after bathing. If your ears are itchy or wet, you should use a thin, soft towel to wipe around your ears and tilt your head to one side to let the water out. Do not use sharp ear picks, toothpicks or small, pointed objects to remove wax because it can push the earwax deeper, causing serious blockage and high risk of damaging the eardrum.

Burn ear candles: This method places a hollow candle tube into the ear and then burns the other end to suck out the earwax. Many people believe that burning ear candles can soften and easily push the wax out. However, the actual effectiveness has not been confirmed, and there are still potential dangers such as ear burns and ear skin damage.

Improper use of ear drops: Ear drops or physiological saline have a softening effect and help the wax drain out easily, and are often effective for mild congestion. People with perforated eardrums or otitis media should not use this method because it can make the infection worse and affect hearing. Signs of a perforated eardrum include pain or discomfort, ringing in the ears, hearing loss, and discharge from the ear.

If your ears feel full and uncomfortable due to suspected wax, you can gently massage your ears or the area behind your ears for more comfort. First, place your index and middle fingers behind your earlobe, gently press and rotate slowly in a circle, tilting your head to one side to help the earwax escape more easily. If the blockage is severe, the patient should go to an otolaryngologist to remove the wax using a specialized instrument that is safe for the ear.

To prevent earwax from accumulating and causing blockages, each person should keep their ears clean and dry after bathing or swimming. Use cotton or a soft towel to gently wipe the earlobe. Good control of skin diseases that cause peeling such as seborrheic dermatitis and keeping devices worn in or on the ear, such as hearing aids and earbuds, clean.