How often should I have my ears cleaned?
June 4, 2022 | 35,00 EUR | answered by Gerald Reimann
Dear doctor,
My name is Jürgen Lichtenberg and I have a question regarding the cleaning of my ears. Lately, I have been feeling like my hearing is not as clear as it used to be and that I have been experiencing more problems with blocked ears. I clean my ears regularly at home with cotton swabs, but I am wondering if this is sufficient or if I should have my ears professionally cleaned.
I have heard that improper cleaning of the ears with cotton swabs can lead to injuries and that earwax can be pushed deeper into the ear canal. Therefore, I am concerned that I am not properly taking care of my ears and could potentially cause long-term damage.
I would like to know how often I should have my ears cleaned and if it is better to have this done by a specialist in otolaryngology. Are there specific methods or instruments that are recommended for cleaning blocked ears? And what signs should I watch out for to determine if a professional cleaning of my ears is necessary?
Thank you in advance for your help and advice.
Sincerely,
Jürgen Lichtenberg
Dear Jürgen Lichtenberg,
Thank you for your question regarding the cleaning of your ears. It is important that you take care of your ears and think about how you can properly care for them to avoid long-term damage.
First of all, it is good to know that the ear is a very sensitive organ and improper cleaning can actually lead to injuries. The problem with cotton swabs is that they tend to push earwax deeper into the ear canal rather than removing it. This can cause earwax buildup and blockages, which in turn can affect your hearing.
It is generally recommended that you do not clean your ears regularly with cotton swabs, as this increases the risk of injury. Instead, you can clean your ears with a soft cloth to remove excess earwax from the outer ear. If you feel that earwax is accumulating in the ear canal, it is advisable to have a professional cleaning done by an otolaryngologist.
An otolaryngologist has special instruments and methods to safely and effectively clean blocked ears. One commonly used method is ear irrigation with warm water or a special solution to dissolve the earwax and gently flush it out. This method is usually safe and painless, but it is important that it is performed by a professional to avoid injury.
Signs that a professional ear cleaning may be necessary include sudden hearing loss, ear pain, a feeling of blockage, or continuous ringing in the ear. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should see an otolaryngologist for a thorough examination.
Overall, it is important to clean your ears with caution and care to avoid injuries and protect your hearing. If you have concerns or are unsure whether a professional cleaning is necessary, do not hesitate to see a specialist who can help you.
I hope that this information is helpful to you and I am happy to assist if you have any further questions.
Best regards,
Gerald Reimann, Otolaryngologist
