Proper ear cleaning - Hearing Disorders Message Board

genxsis · 04-01-2005, 01:11 PM

I just went to the doctor for the second time to have my left ear cleaned out. There was a large ball of wax in there. I don't know why it's always my left ear (never the right) that clogs up. I'd like to prevent it if possible. The doctor suggested putting shampoo in it and rinsing it out when I shower. I've never heard that before.

Has anyone else tried something like this, or is there a better way?

kentuckywoman · 04-02-2005, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by genxsis

I just went to the doctor for the second time to have my left ear cleaned out. There was a large ball of wax in there. I don't know why it's always my left ear (never the right) that clogs up. I'd like to prevent it if possible. The doctor suggested putting shampoo in it and rinsing it out when I shower. I've never heard that before.

Has anyone else tried something like this, or is there a better way?

My husband has the same problem. Anyone who works in dirty environment or where there is a lot of noise tend to get this wax build up. He bought an ear syringe at the drug store and washes his ears out with that periodically, especially if he feels them starting to clog. Since he has been doing this, he has not had to go to a doctor to have his ears cleaned. The ear syringe is bacially a rubber ball with a point to fit inside the ear. Fill it with warm water and just squeeze. I hope this helps.

joe28paws · 04-02-2005, 03:57 PM

Hi,

I always take 1/3 water and 2/3 hydrogen peroxide and put some in my ears, put cotton balls in and leave for about 5 minutes and then drain them.

This softens the wax, remember your ears make wax to protect things from getting inside, you don't want to clean your ears out 100%.

I made a mistake once with Q-tips, please don't put these in your ears, I ruptured my eardrum and I can't hear out of my left ear.

Let nature take its course. Peroxide and water is cheap, doctors are expensive. If you do this once a week, you will no longer need a doctors help for this.

JC

jjano · 04-02-2005, 07:52 PM

The purists scream, and always add nothing smaller than your elbow should be put into the ear. But for 65 years I have found a bobby pin or the car ignition key do a wonderful job!!!!!

My kids almost always hollered at me, but I also have had an ear that itches like crazy, and the car key is a lifesaver, plus I almost always had the key in my pocket. Right handy.

Jim

lelu · 04-09-2005, 03:24 PM

I've used Q-tips to clean my ears for the big part of my 70 years. A good cleaning couple times a week keeps them clear of wax.

I've never had any problems from using Q-tips... my wife has also used them most of her life.

Has worked great for all these years for us.

And we have never needed our ears cleaned by a doctor.