Discover the most common mistakes and consequences in cleaning the ears
Despite its tiny size, the accumulation of wax in the auditory system insistently motivates us to clean it. However, cleaning the ears is not as easy as you think, and this has led to different errors with serious consequences.
The ears are quite a sensitive organ, both internally and externally, and the skin must be treated delicately. Cleaning that is carried out in depth requires that it be done with extreme care, because an infection can be a nightmare.
Most common mistakes when cleaning the ears
flood them with water
Some people have the habit of taking a syringe and inserting a certain amount of water into the ear, which is not highly recommended.
Certainly, it is not a completely wrong method, but if it is not done properly it can lead to problems.
The water must be completely dried up, as any residue left behind could lead to an ear infection. In addition, a new syringe must be implemented at each session.
A simple reason to avoid doing it is the fact of not being able to visualize the inside of the ear, so it is not advisable to introduce water into it.
clean with swabs
At first glance, it seems that swabs are the most suitable tool for this job, but the truth is that it is quite the opposite. For a long time, the warning has been made that they should not be used for this type of cleaning, but most ignore it, increasing their application even more.
The problem they present is that the cotton head that the swab has can cause the wax to go deeper, instead of coming out. Also, they tend to break off and get stuck in the inner ear, which is quite annoying and dangerous.
Another negative factor is the rigidity of the swab, which makes it an object with little touch for the area where it is used. Since it is not so easy to use them, you could end up causing an accident, damage to the skin or some internal area.
use any object
There are those who are extremely careful, but others take the first thing that crosses their path and insert it into a cavity as sensitive as the ear.
This is one of the main factors of damage, lessons and infection, since it is an act of complete irresponsibility.
The external skin of the ear is sensitive, and its internal composition is twice as sensitive, so sharp, cutting or pointed objects are not the best option. Another negative point is that objects such as scissors, keys, pencils and others can be full of bacteria.
Extreme cleaning
It's okay to be neat, but even here extremes are dangerous. There are those who become obsessed with removing earwax, which is counterproductive.
Everything in the body fulfills its function and even wax has a task, as it is the natural protector of the ear. That viscous material that flows from our ears prevents the growth of fungi and bacteria that could appear in this area.
Also, it acts as a natural lubricant, to prevent the ear canal from filling with water. And as a last benefit, it is a good method of defense, to prevent an insect from entering the inner part of the ear while we sleep.
The internal area should not be cleaned, the wax emerges at the exit of the ear by itself, and we just have to remove the excess.
use a candle
As strange as it may seem, this practice has been applied by many people, and it consists of using a special cone-shaped candle. Of it, a certain part is inserted into the ear, so that the heat causes the wax to emerge, however, it was shown to be unproductive and dangerous.
It is an unnecessary procedure, because as we said before, the wax naturally goes out.
Few people claim to have managed to make it work, however, others who took risks have gotten injuries and burns.
Easy and safe cleaning methods
Always apply liquids in drops
No excess of liquid in the ear is favourable, so if your earwax production is very abundant, and you use a product to facilitate its removal, apply it in drops so that it is easy to clean.
Some of the most used products are hydrogen peroxide, baby oil, olive oil or saline solution. This is mainly in cases where accumulations of internal earwax originate, which hinder hearing function.
Wet or paper tissues
If your wax production is ordinary, from time to time it will appear in the hole of your ear. Just remove this excess with a soft piece of paper, or you can also use a disposable wet handkerchief, which is also practical for cleaning the rest of the ear.
Before consult the doctor
Cleaning the ears is a daily thing, which generally does not require much effort. But if you have excessive wax production, before applying any suggested method, consult a professional.
In some cases, a specific solution or medically prescribed treatment may be required, where traditional methods would simply be risky or useless.
Hygiene is the first medicine that we must apply for the care of our body, and therefore, we must not take its use lightly, and even less so when it comes to such useful and sensitive areas.
Do not forget each of these tips, as they are the key to keeping your hearing system healthy and active.