How to Clean Your Ears Properly: Ear Irrigation, the Method Recommended by Doctors

The sensation of a blocked ear and reduced hearing often occur due to a build-up of earwax in the ear canal. Cleaning with cotton buds is not a recommended method, as they frequently push the wax plug deeper and can irritate the sensitive skin inside the ear.

The method recommended by specialists is ear irrigation, a procedure in which wax is removed using a controlled jet of water at a temperature close to that of the body. Before the procedure, the earwax plug may be softened with solutions recommended by a doctor. The ear canal and eardrum must also be examined beforehand to determine whether irrigation is appropriate in that particular case. Ear irrigation is indicated when earwax build-up causes symptoms or prevents proper examination of the eardrum.

The procedure is not necessary when earwax is not causing any problems, as it serves a natural protective function and the ear cleans itself. After ear irrigation, dizziness or discomfort may occur temporarily. If pain, discharge, or persistent hearing loss develop, a doctor should be notified. Depending on the situation, earwax may also be removed by suction or with specialised instruments, not solely by irrigation.