Preventing Ear Wax Buildup and Keeping Your Ears Healthy

Believe it or not, your ears have a self-cleaning system. Unfortunately, it does not come with a satisfying “deep clean” button—and reaching for a cotton swab can interfere with the whole operation.
If you have been searching for ear wax removal in Toronto, you may be wondering whether there is a way to stop that plugged feeling from returning. The answer starts with understanding what earwax is actually doing in there.

Earwax deserves a little credit

Earwax, also called cerumen, helps protect and lubricate the ear canal. It traps debris, and usually works its way towards the opening naturally. A little wax is normal. The goal is a comfortable, healthy ear, rather than an ear canal scrubbed spotless.

Put the cotton swabs down!

Cotton swabs can push ear wax deeper into the ear canal and cause injury to the canal itself, or the eardrum. The same caution applies to hairpins, ear scoops and other objects that seem perfectly sized for the job. Their ability to fit inside your ear is not a qualification.
For everyday cleaning, gently wipe the outer ear with a soft cloth. Leave the inside of the canal alone.

Give your hearing aids some attention

If you wear hearing aids, follow the recommended cleaning routine and check the wax guards. A blocked wax guard can make a hearing aid sound weak, which can be mistaken for a change in hearing.
Keep earbuds and reusable earplugs clean according to their instructions, too. If you repeatedly develop blockages, ask an audiologist about an individual ear-check schedule rather than adopting a frequent cleaning routine on your own.

Be selective about drops

Wax-softening drops can help some people, but they are not suitable for every ear. Get advice first if you have pressure equalizing tubes (PET), a known or suspected eardrum perforation, previous ear surgery, pain or drainage. Avoid ear candles: they can cause injury and are not an effective or medically recognized ear wax-removal method.

Know when prevention needs a helping hand

A plugged sensation, reduced hearing or irritation deserves a closer look. These symptoms do not prove that wax is the cause. Seek prompt medical assessment for pain or discharge, and same-day medical care for a sudden drop in hearing.
If you are looking for ear wax cleaning in Toronto, our team at Toronto Hearing Health Clinic can examine your ears, determine whether wax is contributing and discuss appropriate removal. Sometimes the most useful ear-care habit is knowing when to let someone take a look. Book your appointment today!