For healthy functioning, it is essential to keep our ears clean just like the rest of our bodies. The tricky part here is to know how exactly our ears need to be cleaned as they are quite delicate.

This step-by-step guide will ensure you get all the information needed on different methods to clean your ears, along with some dos and don’ts of ear maintenance.

1. Ear wax removal – Your ears are naturally protected from harmful dust and small insects by building up wax inside your ears. Therefore, ear wax is normal and needed for your ears. Therefore, avoid cleaning with cotton buds as they can only push the wax deep inside your ear canals and cause recurring infections/hearing loss/tear.

So how to remove the ear wax?

You need to remove the wax only when it has built excessively and you can barely hear. In such cases, visit your doctor who will remove the wax safely using professional tools.

1. Cleaning outer ear – Use a damp cloth to clean the outer areas of the ear. Don’t miss out behind your ears. Avoid: inserting the damp cloth inside your ears as this can be dangerous.

Dos and don’ts of ear health care:

1. Don’t insert small objects into your ears – You shouldn’t put anything smaller than your elbow inside of your ear canal as this can cause injury to your eardrum.
2. Limit your exposure to loud noises – Wear protective earplugs when the noise gets too loud or best, avoid being in loud areas.
3. Take periodic breaks from using your headphones – Keep the volume low enough so that no one else can hear your music. Don’t raise the volume in your car’s sound system either. This may lead to hearing loss.
4. Dry your ears after swimming – This prevents the swimmer’s ear. Use a cloth to wipe the outside of the ear, and tilt your head gently to help remove any additional water that is stuck inside.
5. See your doctor – If you notice sudden pain/ear injury/troubling hear, it is best to visit your doctor and get expert treatment.

The rule of thumb for your ear health care is – LESS IS ALWAYS MORE!