Should You Clean Your Ears?

When it comes to hearing and ear care, one question comes up time and time again: Should I be cleaning my ears? It’s a fair question and one that many people address by reaching for a cotton swab. But before you do, let’s take a closer look at what earwax really is, why your body makes it, and how to safely manage it. 

What Is Earwax? 

Earwax isn’t dirt. It’s your body’s natural way of protecting your ears. Made in your ear canal, earwax is part of your ear’s self-cleaning system. It traps dust, debris, and even small insects, from reaching deeper into the ear. It also helps to prevent infection. Earwax helps to keep your ear healthy and hearing protected. 

Simply put, earwax is a good thing. 

Do You Need to Remove It? 

For most people, earwax naturally moves to the outer part of the ear and falls away on its own during activities like talking, chewing, or showering. In many cases, you don’t need to do anything; your ears are designed to take care of themselves. 

However, some people produce more earwax than others or their bodies have trouble getting wax to exit naturally. In those cases, a buildup of wax can cause ear discomfort. 

What About Cotton Swabs? 

Despite what you may see in commercials or movies, don’t put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear. Cotton swabs can actually push wax further in, causing buildup and risking damage to your hearing. In some cases, repeated use can cause irritation of your ear canal, bleeding, and even infection. 

Safe Ways to Manage Earwax 

If you feel like earwax is affecting your hearing or causing discomfort, there are safe options: 

• Use a warm, damp washcloth to gently wipe the outer ear. 

• NEVER stick a foreign object, even a cotton swab, into your ear.  

• Talk with your pharmacist about over-the-counter ear drops that can help soften wax so it comes out naturally. 

• If you’re still feeling discomfort, talk with a licensed Audiologist or your healthcare provider. Professional ear cleaning may be an option to help relieve your discomfort. 

It’s worth noting that earwax is rarely the cause of hearing loss. If sounds seem muffled, conversations are harder to follow, or you find yourself turning up the volume more often, it’s time for a hearing evaluation. 

At HEAR Wisconsin, our team of licensed Doctors of Audiology can help assess whether wax is playing a role in your symptoms, and if not, guide you toward the right next steps for your hearing health. 

Why It Matters for Your Hearing Health 

Earwax may not be glamorous, but it serves an important purpose; protecting and keeping your ears healthy. Before you reach for a cotton swab, remember: your ears are designed to take care of themselves. 

Although earwax is often blamed for muffled hearing, the underlying cause is usually something else. That’s why a comprehensive hearing exam is so valuable. Catching changes early can make all the difference for your long-term hearing health and peace of mind. 

If you’ve noticed muffled sounds or other changes in your hearing, don’t wait. Contact HEAR Wisconsin’s Audiology Clinic at 414-604-7219 to schedule an appointment with our expert team.