Do you need to clean your ears?

Many people like to clean their ears with a cotton swab. That gives such a fresh feeling. But is that really necessary? And doesn’t that just make it worse?

Self-cleaning ability

Earwax comes out on its own through chewing, yawning and talking. In this way the ear canal remains clean. This self-cleaning ability means you don’t have to clean them. Better not even, because you can do more harm than good with it.

If you always clean your ears with a cotton swab or other object, you can only push the wax further into your ears. This can be dangerous: as soon as an object moves in the direction of the eardrum, the earwax can get stuck. This creates a clot, which can cause a clogged ear. In addition, the skin of the ear canal can be damaged and you run the risk of rupture of the eardrum.

Earwax is useful

Earwax may sound gross, but it’s actually very useful. Ears produce earwax to protect the ear canal and eardrum. It protects against dehydration, bacteria and fungi, water and dust.

Do you want to keep your ears a little fresh yourself? Then only remove earwax that is visible. You can do this, for example, with a washcloth or handkerchief. Please do not use a cotton swab.

clogged ear

If you have a clogged ear, the earwax cannot escape properly. The ear canal continues to make wax, eventually turning it into a plug. This makes you less able to hear.

In case of complaints, for example because you suddenly hear less well, it is best to contact your GP or doctor’s assistant. This person will check whether your complaints are caused by a plug of earwax. If this is the case, you can have your ears syringed. If you have a hole in your eardrum or tubes, let your doctor know in advance.