How to clean your ears in the shower?

Ever wondered what the best way is to clean your ears? The truth is, the more people you ask, the more answers you get, and as a result, you may end up more confused than before.

For example, how often do you need to clean your ears? What are the safest ways to remove earwax from your ear canal? Are Q-tips or cotton swabs safe to use inside the ear? What's the best way to clean your ears in the shower? These and similar questions are on the minds of many, and in this article, we will shine some light on all of these and even more.

Do you need to clean your ears?

Many experts agree that cleaning your ears is not necessary. Wax development is a completely natural process that serves many useful purposes. The glands of the skin inside the ear canal produce earwax - also known as cerumen - to protect the inner and middle ear areas from any debris or dust. The earwax also traps bacteria and keeps the ear canal lubricated. 

Generally, most people have no issues with earwax blockage, as the old earwax works its way out of the ears as new wax is produced. Talking and chewing facilitate the process of self-cleaning, helping the old wax to make its way to the outer ear and then fall out on its own.

So for the vast majority, there is simply no need for manual ear cleaning, as the ears do a great job cleaning themselves.

If you have visible wax sitting on the outer surface of your ear, gently wipe it away with a wet washcloth. Resist the temptation of sticking any object into the ear canal, such as a Q-tip or cotton swab, as wiping the wax off should be sufficient.

Are there safe methods of cleaning your ears?

While the ear canal has a built-in self-cleaning mechanism, it does not mean that things cannot go wrong at times. For example, some people experience excessive wax production and end up with earwax blockage or wax impaction. Although earwax buildup is most common among older people, it can happen at any age. 

Others find earwax a sign of poor hygiene and feel strongly about cleaning their ears regularly. Regardless of the reasons, if you want to clean your ears, there are ways to remove the excess earwax safely. 

How to clean your ears in the shower?

The ideal time to clean your ears is in the shower. It does not matter if you choose daily or weekly cleaning, as when done right, the process is very safe. Here are the steps to take:

1. Use only gentle soap and warm water.

2. After hair washing, take a washcloth and wipe down the outer ear. 

3. Clean behind the ears as well. 

4. If the ear canal feels full, you can let the shower water flush it out. (Please note that the ear canal typically does not need cleaning)

5. Drain the water out of your ears after the shower to prevent any possible infection.

Is it safe to use Q-tips or swabs to clean your ears?

In a word, the answer is no. Hearing professionals agree that sticking anything into the ear canal - including Q-tips - is a bad idea2. Yet, despite warnings from experts, millions of people are in the habit of using cotton swabs for ear cleaning. 

One of the most significant risks you face when inserting a Q-tip in the ear is that you end up pushing the wax further down into the canal. Even though you will likely see some wax on the swab, most of it gets pushed into the canal. 

Unfortunately, Q-tips can cause other serious problems as well. For instance, if you accidentally push the swab through the eardrum, you can cause a perforated eardrum, suffer permanent hearing loss, and end up with chronic vertigo and dizziness. Scratching the inside of your ear can also lead to an ear infection. 

Take these warnings seriously and break the habit of using Q-tips in the ears. 

What other methods can you use to clean your ears?

You can try other effective ways to remove wax buildup. For example, a mixture of fifty percent hydrogen peroxide and fifty percent water solution can help ease plugged ears and loosen excess earwax. Place a few drops of the mixture into the ear to soften the wax. 

You can purchase an over-the-counter wax removal kit and give it a try. These kits include an over-the-counter earwax softener that can be quite helpful. Check at your local pharmacy to find a wax removal kit that works for you.

If you have tried all these different methods and you fail, it is best to see a hearing professional. These doctors have tools to remove wax safely. 

What about ear candling?

You can find plenty of anecdotal evidence online that many people have found success with earcandling. Most hearing experts, however, recommend against this technique. 

Ear candling is done by placing a lit, hollow, cone-shaped candle into the ear canal. Doctors warn that when you do that, you run the risk of pushing the earwax deeper into the canal, burning your face, hair, and even your ear canal. 

What about the benefits of the technique? Research has not produced evidence that ear candling is effective. Steer clear of this method and seek professional help instead. 

_{The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. You should not use the information as a substitute for, nor should it replace, professional medical advice. If you have any questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other health-care professional.}

• Robert H. Shmerling, MD (2020) Senior Faculty Editor, 3 reasons to leave earwax alone. Harvard Health Publishing 
• Eric T. Carniol, MD, MBA; Amishav Bresler, MD; Kevin Shaigany, MD (2018) Traumatic Tympanic Membrane Perforations Diagnosed in Emergency Departments. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2018;144(2):136-139. 
• S M Quigley, A W Langman (1996). Ear candles--efficacy and safety. Laryngoscope. 1996 Oct;106(10):1226-9. Other various studies can be found at this link