{"id":128273,"date":"2024-06-13T13:46:10","date_gmt":"2024-06-13T11:46:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.horendgoed.nl\/hearing\/how-do-i-keep-my-ears-clean-of-wax\/"},"modified":"2024-12-03T14:20:41","modified_gmt":"2024-12-03T13:20:41","slug":"how-do-i-keep-my-ears-clean-of-wax","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.horendgoed.nl\/en\/hearing\/how-do-i-keep-my-ears-clean-of-wax\/","title":{"rendered":"How do I keep my ears clean of wax?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It is a question we get frequently: how do I keep my ears clean? Many people then refer to earwax removal and use a cotton swab, for example, to poke around in the ear. Don’t! On this page we explain why not, and what you can do. <\/p>\n\n

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What does earwax do?<\/h2>\n\n

First, it is important to understand exactly what earwax does. This is because it has several functions and it is by no means always wise to remove it. Earwax, also known as cerumen, protects the inner ear and eardrum<\/a>. For example, it holds back dirt and dust, preventing ear infections<\/a>. In addition, earwax, the word says it all, lubricates the ear canal. This prevents dehydration and itching. So it is nothing bad at all, but even a natural protection. Removal is only necessary if it is really excess. <\/p>\n\n

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When is earwax excess?<\/h2>\n\n

There are a number of symptoms that can indicate whether you suffer from excess wax:<\/p>\n\n

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  1. The feeling that the ear is “full<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. (Partial) deafness<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Tinnitus<\/a> (tinnitus)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Fluid from the ear<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Itching in the ear<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n

    If your ear canal is completely blocked, it is wise not to try to remove the wax yourself. You would be wise to contact your family doctor, who may be able to refer you to an ENT specialist. <\/p>\n\n

    Dripping olive or salad oil<\/h3>\n\n
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    When your doctor goes to remove the excess earwax, he will probably advise you to drip olive or salad oil in the blocked ear for several days. The soaks into the earwax making it soft and very easy to remove. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Tip #1: Place your head on a pillow, preferably with a towel over it (there may be spills). This will make it easier to drip your ear. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Tip 2: Use our handy dropper bottle!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n