How Should I Clean My Ears?

How Should I Clean My Ears?

While keeping your ears clean may not be the first priority on your daily hygiene routine, it is an important part of keeping your body healthy. However, there is often some confusion surrounding the best way to keep your ears clean. Learn how to properly clean your ears with your doctor at West Coast Ear, Nose and Throat in Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Oxnard and Camarillo, CA.

How should I clean my ears? Ears
Contrary to popular belief, you should never, under any circumstances, insert anything into your ear’s canal. Using a cotton swab to clean the ear can push earwax back into the ear canal, causing hearing loss and wax buildup. To clean your ears, simply use a soft cloth to wipe down the skin on the outside of the ear.

Earwax will usually accumulate, dry out, then fall out of the ear without outside help. However, this does not always happen, causing earwax buildup. Irrigation systems available over-the-counter or at your doctor’s office help clear out earwax. Special drops can help loosen the earwax. Additionally, your doctor can manually remove earwax right in their office. This process uses suction and small tools to clean the ears.

Ear Wax Removal in Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Oxnard and Camarillo
This procedure begins with a physical examination to determine that you have a blockage. Your doctor may place drops into your ear to loosen or soften the earwax. They then use miniaturized instruments and a special light to remove the wax blockage from the ear. This may involve using a curved instrument to carefully scrape out the wax. Suction is another option for removing earwax. Flushing the wax with an irrigation method may also help remove earwax.

Your doctor may recommend medication for recurring earwax buildup. The medication usually comes in drop form, administered a few times daily to help prevent the wax from building up. Be sure to take this medication according to your doctor’s instructions.

For more information on cleaning your ears, please contact your doctor at West Coast Ear, Nose and Throat in Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Oxnard and Camarillo, CA. Call to schedule your examination with your ear, nose and throat doctor today!

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