Most of us don’t give much thought to our ear wax. But did you know that ear wax actually serves an important purpose? Ear wax is produced by glands in the ear canal, and it helps to protect the ear from dust, bacteria, and other potential irritants.
However, sometimes ear wax can build up and harden, causing hearing problems. In fact, a buildup of ear wax is one of the most common causes of hearing loss. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to prevent ear wax from building up and causing problems.
- Use a soft cloth to clean your ears. Gently wipe the outside of your ears with a soft cloth after showers and before bedtime. Avoid using cotton swabs or any other object that could push wax further into your ear canal.
- Rinse your ears with warm water. Fill a sink or basin with warm water (not hot) and lean your head to the side until your ear is submerged. Let the water run into your ear for a few minutes before tilting your head to allow the water to drain out. You can do this once a week or as needed if you feel like you’re starting to get too much wax buildup.
- Try an over-the-counter ear drops solution. There are several commercial solutions available that can help soften and remove excess ear wax. Follow the instructions on the packaging for the best results.
- Visit your doctor or audiologist for professional help if needed. If home remedies don’t seem to be helping, or if you think you may have a more serious problem, make an appointment with your doctor or audiologist for further evaluation and treatment options.
A buildup of ear wax is one of the most common causes of hearing loss, but there are several things you can do to prevent it! Gently wipe the outside of your ears with a soft cloth after showers and before bedtime, fill a sink or basin with warm water (not hot) and lean your head to the side until your ear is submerged once a week, try an over-the-counter ear drops solution, or visit your doctor or audiologist for professional help if needed.
