How to clean your ears naturally

“Wash your ears well.” Many people remember this phrase that he heard so much in his childhood. In fact, it is true that too much wax can lead to decreased hearing if it forms a plug in the ear canal. But it is also true that wax has a function and that incorrect cleaning can create problems.

Do the ears clean themselves?

Many people consider earwax (medicinally called cerumen) to be unsanitary, however, In addition to moistening the ear canal, it also cleans it and, therefore, it is very important for the health of the auditory system.

Is a secretion from the glands of the external auditory canal, yellowish-brown in color, it carries dirt, dust and dead skin cells out of the ear.

Contains bacteria-inhibiting enzymes that form an acidic environment that does not allow the proliferation of fungi and bacteria, so it prevents infections.

Fine hairs in the ear canal They carry the secretion outwards, towards the auricle. Movements of the lower jaw when eating and speaking push earwax out, helping to clean the ears.

If the self-cleaning mechanism does not work properly, we can use gentle cleaning methods to properly remove the wax.

How to clean your ears

With an intact self-cleaning ability of the hearing organit is enough to clean the auricle and behind the ears. You can remove earwax with a damp cloth or cotton ball, but only on the outside and not the inside of the ear canal.

If you prefer to clean your ears while showering or washing your hair, Carefully pour some water into the ears, but do not use soap or shampoo. Then, tilt your head to allow the water to drain off and gently dry it with a cloth.

Why do plugs form?

Depending on the anatomical conditions of the ear, the self-cleaning mechanism may be overwhelmed due to:

A ear canal too narrowproduction increase of earwax.Decrease in formation of secretions in old age.

If this capability is reduced or disabled, the ear canal can become blocked and a plug develop. Small, dry particles stuck between the hairs can cause itchiness.

Frequent use of earphones, in-ear headphones, or earplugs For the ears it also promotes the accumulation and hardening of ear wax. In these cases, greater care is often necessary.

What to avoid when cleaning your ears

Incorrect cleaning methods can impair the self-cleaning ability of the ears. For example, cotton swabs are often used incorrectly and they pose a risk of injury and irritation to the ear and eardrum.

Due to misuse, secretion is often pushed further into the ear canal, which dries up inside where it can more easily become a stopper.

Proper cleaning is not about removing all traces of face. Earwax should remain in the ear, since it protects the skin and the entire auditory system. Excessive hygiene can cause inflammation and favor infections.

There are alternatives to cotton swabs to get your ears really clean. You can clean the ears with various home remedies, soften or dissolve earwax so that it comes out more easily:

Cerumenolytics: are drops and sprays used in the doctor’s office for professional cleaning.Oil: Warm olive or almond oil also helps to soften the wax in the outer ear.

Salt water for clogged ears

salt water dissolves built up wax so gently which can even be used with toddlers and babies, but works on adults too.

Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in 100 milliliters of warm water and pour some of the salt water into the clogged ear. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse the ear thoroughly with warm water. You can also fill a small spray bottle with the water salty and use it several times a day.

steam clean ears

A steam bath is ideal if you want to comfortably clean your ears. For it:

add a tablespoon of chamomile to two liters of hot water. Don’t use less water so it doesn’t get cold too fast. Keep your ear above the steaming water for at least ten minutes and cover your head with a towel. You can then rinse your ear with warm water.

chamomile ensures that dry ear wax is dissolved. It also cleanses the ear canal and protects against bacteria.

If both of your ears are clogged, treat them one at a time. First, put one ear on the steam bath, and then rinse it. Then you can repeat the operation with the second ear. Otherwise, it may happen that the earwax dries up in the meantime and the steam bath has been in vain.