- Essential Function: Earwax (cerumen) plays an important role in keeping ears healthy by trapping dust and bacteria, and moisturising the skin of the ear canal.
- Natural Removal: Earwax generally does not need to be removed, as everyday actions like chewing and talking naturally push it toward the outer ear where it flakes away.
- Safe Home Cleaning: The safest way to clean is to use a warm, damp cloth to gently wipe the visible, outside part of the ear and the entrance of the ear canal only.
- Avoid Harmful Objects: Do not use cotton buds (Q-tips), ear candles, or other objects to remove wax, as this risks pushing the wax deeper, causing blockages, infection, or damage to the eardrum.
- When to Seek Help: Professional earwax removal (like a ClearEars appointment) is recommended if you experience symptoms of impaction, such as reduced/muffled hearing, earache/fullness, or ringing in the ear (tinnitus).
Earwax (also known as cerumen) often receives a bad reputation, but it plays a crucial role in maintaining our ear health. It traps dust, dirt, and bacteria so they don’t travel deeper into your ear, and keeps the skin inside your ear canal moisturised to prevent dryness and itching.
Unless your earwax is causing hearing problems, it doesn’t need to be removed. Everyday movements, such as chewing, talking, or even yawning, help push wax toward the outer ear, where it can flake away naturally or be wiped away in the shower.
Safe ways to clean your ears at home
While keeping your ears clean is important, cleaning them the wrong way can do more harm than good. However, if you feel you need to clean your ears at home, it’s important you keep your routine as simple as possible.
One of the most common mistakes people make is using cotton buds (Q-tips), ear candles or other objects to try and remove wax from their ears. This is not recommended as you risk pushing the ear wax further into down your ear canal, which can cause blockages, infection, hearing loss and even damage to your eardrum.
Instead, use a warm, damp cloth to gently wipe around the outside of your ear and at the entrance of your ear canal. This is usually enough to remove any wax that’s come up to the surface. It’s important that (no matter how much you’re tempted!) to only focus on the visible part of your ear and avoid pushing the cloth down your ear canal, as it can be very sensitive and painful.
When should you book an earwax removal appointment?
Sometimes earwax can build up and cause blockages (also called impaction). If you have a build up of wax, you may experience symptoms, like:
- Reduced or muffled hearing
- Earache or ears that feel “full”
- Itching or discomfort
- Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
- Dizziness (in rare cases)
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s a good idea to book a ClearEars appointment with your local Resonate Health team who will use the world leading Tympa Health ear cleaning system to gently suction ear wax from your ears. Book in for a ClearEars appointment at your nearest studio today.