Referred to medically as cerumen, ear wax is a yellowish substance that serves a number of important purposes, which include providing protection for the ears from insects, fungi and bacteria. However, it has a tendency to build up and harden, especially if the ears are not cleaned for a very long time. This can actually cause significant discomfort, pain and danger to many people such as hearing impairment and occlusion of the external auditory canal. In order to avoid these undesirable medical conditions, it is good to learn how to clean ear wax.
Materials Needed
This moderately easy task requires a number of materials. These include a syringe, an eyedropper and warm clean water. It is always good to have healthy ears that function normally. You can easily free yourself from the danger, pain and discomfort caused by the build up of excess ear wax or cerumen by following these simple and easy-to-follow steps.
Procedures
First, lean your head towards one side. In this position, one ear is facing upwards while the other ear is facing downwards. Next, get the eyedropper and then fill it with warm clean water. Apply a few drops right into the ear that is facing upwards. As much as possible, use water that is closest to normal body temperature because this will feel more comfortable than applying water with colder temperature. After doing this, the cerumen will soften because it is a substance considered as water-soluble.
According to some ear health experts, the efficiency of water against cerumen is comparable to that of ear wax removal drops, which are usually available in drugstores. Because water is safe and effective in removing cerumen buildup, the American Academy of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Foundation continues to recommends its use to many patients.
After applying some drops on one ear, keep the head tilted for at least 10 minutes. This will eventually soften the earwax. In addition, this particular step also makes the method of ear irrigation more effective. In a clean bowl, pour in some water, preferably one that is clean and warm. Get the syringe and then fill it with the liquid.
After tilting your head for approximately 10 minutes, return your head to its normal position. Use the syringe to irrigate the ear. The warm water is enough to remove ear wax from the ear canal. After irrigating, position the treated ear facing a downward direction. This move will allow the excess water to drain out. Simply repeat the same steps for the other ear. Enjoy cleaner, healthier and better performance from your ears.
