The question of how often we should clean our ears is something many people wonder about. Earwax often seems unnecessary, even harmful, but in reality, it plays an important protective role. That doesn’t mean you should never remove it in your lifetime – balance is key. Proper ear care isn’t about daily cotton swab use, as many assume, but about understanding how the body works and why earwax exists. Let’s break it down.
Why Do We Even Have Earwax?
Earwax (medically called cerumen) is produced in the ear canal by special glands. It serves several key functions:
- Protection from bacteria and fungi. Earwax has natural antiseptic properties.
- Moisturizing the ear canal. It keeps the skin from drying out and itching.
- Barrier against dust and debris. Wax traps small particles and prevents them from reaching the eardrum.
In other words, earwax is your ears’ natural security system.
Do We Really Need to Clean Our Ears?
The body is designed to clean ears on its own. Chewing, talking, and jaw movements gradually push wax outward, where it dries and washes away during normal bathing or showering.
That’s why most ear, nose, and throat specialists (ENTs) advise against using cotton swabs deep in the ear canal. Regular swab use can actually be harmful because it may:
- Push wax deeper inside,
- Lead to earwax blockages,
- Irritate or even damage the skin and eardrum.
How Often Should You Clean Them?
It depends on the individual. For most people, earwax naturally takes care of itself, and basic hygiene is enough – washing the outer ear with water and drying it with a towel.
- Daily: Clean only the outer ear (the auricle), not the canal.
- Weekly: Gently wipe the entrance of the ear canal with a damp cloth or tissue, but never go deep.
- See a doctor: If you notice fullness, hearing loss, or ringing in the ears, you may have a blockage. In that case, a specialist should remove it safely.
Who Is More Likely to Get Earwax Buildup?
Certain groups of people are more prone to blockages and should be more mindful about prevention:
- Athletes, especially swimmers. Water can trap wax inside.
- Hearing aid or earbud users. These devices block natural wax removal.
- People with narrow ear canals. This is an anatomical trait.
- Frequent earbud wearers. Constant use interferes with the ear’s self-cleaning process.
For these groups, a yearly visit to an ENT or an ear centre in Calgary can be a smart preventive measure. Specialists at such centres use modern tools to gently remove blockages and ensure the ear canal stays healthy.
One of today’s biggest culprits is earphones. Constant use blocks the natural cleaning process. Our bodies are well designed, but evolution never planned for us to insert plastic devices into our ears daily. For frequent headphone users, professional ear cleaning is more of a necessity than a recommendation.
Common Myths About Ear Cleaning
- “The cleaner, the better.” In truth, wax is necessary for protection.
- “Cotton swabs are safe.” They’re actually the main cause of blockages and injuries.
- “Drops and sprays solve everything.” They can soften wax but don’t always remove blockages.
The Right Way to Care for Your Ears
- Stick to external cleaning only – let the inner ear clean itself.
- After showers, gently pat your ears dry with a towel instead of scrubbing.
- Avoid sharp objects. Never use bobby pins, pencils, or matches – it’s dangerous.
- If needed, use ear drops. Canadian pharmacies sell gentle peroxide- or oil-based solutions to soften wax for those prone to buildup.
- Schedule checkups with your doctor, especially if you use hearing aids or spend lots of time in pools.
When to See a Specialist
It’s time to visit an ENT or audiologist if you experience:
- Hearing loss or fullness in the ear,
- Ringing or buzzing,
- Pain or itching,
- Discharge with an unpleasant odor.
Never try to remove a blockage yourself. A doctor can do it safely using flushing or special tools.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to clean your ears daily or deeply. Your body is designed to handle this naturally. Stick to external cleaning, and when necessary, use gentle aids or seek medical help.
For Canadians – where the climate can be dry and windy, and active lifestyles often include swimming and gyms – it’s important to remember: ear care isn’t about endless cleaning, but about respecting the body’s natural processes.
In short: light hygiene during daily washing is enough most of the time, and if problems arise, it’s best to consult a specialist. And if you’re in Calgary, visiting a trusted ear wax removal clinic in Calgary is the safest way to keep your ears healthy and your hearing clear.
