Our Hearing Blog

How Often Should You Clean Your Ears?

Have you ever wondered how often you should clean your ears? Well, you're not alone! Earwax, or cerumen, is important for our ears. It helps to keep dust and debris out and has antiseptic components that help prevent ear infections. But earwax can sometimes build up and cause issues like hearing loss, tinnitus, or earaches. That's when you should seek the help of a professional audiologist to get your ears cleaned safely.

So, how often should you get your ears checked by a professional? Most doctors recommend having your ears cleaned at least once every six months if you are prone to earwax buildup. However, if you practice good ear hygiene, you should only need to clean the outer ear daily. Remember, the inner ear is best left alone!

If you are experiencing any symptoms like muffled hearing, itchy ears, or tinnitus, you may have a buildup of wax and it's time to see a professional. But please don't try to clean your ears with anything besides a washcloth or baby oil. Inserting cotton swabs or other objects can cause damage to your inner ear and push earwax further in.

If you wear a hearing aid, it's especially important to keep your ears clean to avoid further hearing loss or damage to your device. A buildup of earwax on your hearing aid can also cause issues, so be sure to clean it regularly with a hearing aid cleaning brush and wax pick.

Remember, your ears are important and should be taken care of properly. So, let's make sure to practice good ear hygiene and seek professional help when needed!