Although many people use cotton swabs to clean out their ears, this practice is looked down upon by nearly every audiologist. This is because sticking a swab in your ear can serve to push the wax in deeper and might even result in a punctured eardrum. As a trusted hearing clinic in Hamilton, Northwest Alabama Hearing Clinic shares a few tips for cleaning your ears without using a harmful cotton swab.

How to Clean Your Ears Without Using a Cotton Swab

1. Try Over-the-Counter Eardrops

Drops are an effective method for softening earwax, which can then be safely drained. Typically, eardrops contain a combination of ingredients, including saline, peroxide, and glycerin, all of which can be safely applied, provided you follow the instructions. Once drops are administered, waxy buildup should easily flow from your ear, thereby affording relief.

2. Use a Home Remedy

The solution to excess earwax might be resting in your kitchen cupboard right now. Olive oil is a fantastic home remedy that can also make earwax softer. It’s recommended you use one to two drops—approximately once a week—and let the olive oil work its magic naturally.

3. Visit a Doctor

In many cases, visiting a doctor about any issues with wax buildup is the best course of action. A doctor will have the right tools and knowledge to safely remove wax from your ear, which is crucial for preserving your hearing. That way, you can be free of the annoying symptoms associated with an accumulation of earwax—without risking further damage.

Whether you have an issue with excess earwax or want to schedule a routine hearing test, Northwest Alabama Hearing Clinic is poised and ready to lend their assistance. The audiologist can help you find the right hearing aid or device to fit your needs. Call (205) 952-9944 today to schedule an appointment, or visit them online to learn more about the services offered by this hearing clinic.