It is not necessary to clean your ear canal. Your ears are self-cleaning organs that use earwax to trap debris and prevent infection. While many use cotton swabs for hygiene, these tools often push wax deeper into the ear canal, causing impaction or eardrum damage. For safe maintenance, simply wipe the outer ear with a damp cloth and allow natural jaw movements to move wax outward. Avoid inserting any objects into the canal; if you experience muffled hearing or discomfort, seek professional removal rather than DIY methods. Remember: less is more.
Proper ear cleaning is important for comfort and hearing health, but using the wrong methods can cause more harm than good. If you experience ear pain, fullness, or hearing changes, the specialists at Naugatuck Valley ENT can provide safe, professional care for earwax buildup and other ear concerns.
