What You Didn't Know About Earwax and Why You Need It

Earwax is something that most people feel compelled to clean from their ears. It is true . . . wax can block-up the ear and cause discomfort. However, some earwax is essential for your ears. Too little earwax fails to lubricate the ears properly and may impact your hearing. It also can cause undue tension on your eardrums. Too much of a waxy buildup in the ears, however, can cause painful inflammation and maybe even an infection. So how do you strike a balance? Let’s take a look at the ways to keep your earwax in check . . .


How To Properly Clean Your Ears

The best way to prevent a buildup of earwax is by cleaning your ears . . . but not in the way you might think and not as often as you may think, either. The best way to prevent earwax build up is to clean out your ears with a solution that you pour into your ears and then tilt your head to pour out. You should not stick anything in your ears, such as a cotton swab, as this may perforate the eardrum. 

You can use something as simple and inexpensive as peroxide to clean out your ears - you do not need to buy an “ear cleaner.” The best advice is to perform this action about once a month. Again, you do not want to do this too often as you do not want your ears devoid of earwax as this may stretch the eardrum too thin. Everything that your body produces has a purpose. And Earwax’s purpose is to lubricate the ears!

Using a cotton swab to clean your ears is dangerous, not only because it can perforate the eardrum, but because it can also push earwax further into the ear. It is always best to use an ear solution or hydrogen peroxide to cleanse your ears. 

How To Tell If Your Ears Are Infected

Pain is the biggest indicator in people who have an ear infection. If you have an ear infection, you need to see a doctor. They can provide you with medicine to stop the infection. Children are most prone to ear infections. You can usually tell when a small baby has an ear infection as they will tug on their ears and cry. If you suspect an ear infection, which is usually accompanied by a fever, you should see your doctor or healthcare provider as soon as possible.

An earwax buildup can result in an ear infection. Although earwax is meant to drain naturally, in some cases it may stay in the ear and become infected. In addition to antibiotics, a doctor may proceed to flush out your ears. This will rid the ears of excess wax and will usually clear up the infection. 

Natural Ear Wax Remedies

There are natural earwax remedies that are sold in the market. They generally consist of herbal remedies that help to cleanse your ears and keep them free from earwax build-up. You may want to try these harmless solutions if you are prone to ear infections. Check out your local health-food store or alternative medicine shop.

Eardrops are also used when it comes to dissolving earwax. Eardrops are also commonly used in cases of Swimmer’s Ear that can cause the symptoms of an ear infection and usually results from water being “stuck” in your ear. 

You can also avoid ear pain by allowing your ears to properly drain after a shower: tilt your head to each side and squeeze on the outer ear to rid your ears of excess water. Some say that lying on your side and resting your ear on a heating pad can also draw excess ear wax from your ears.

And, while the jury is still out on whether ear candling is truly effective for removing excess earwax, it seems to work well for some people.

And you thought all earwax was bad! Make sure to take good care of your ears by following the advice above.