Ear washing is a procedure that allows you to remove excess wax, but it can also be used to remove any type of dirt that has accumulated more deeply in the ear canal over time.
However, washing should not be used to remove objects that have been inserted into the ear canal, as can happen with children. In such cases, you should immediately go to the otorhinolaryngologist, or the pediatrician, to remove the object without causing damage to the ear. See what to do in case of an insect or object in the ear.
Ear washing should only be done by an otolaryngologist or other qualified health professional, however, there are situations in which the doctor may recommend something similar and safer, known as "bulb irrigation", which can be done at home to relieve the discomfort of people who often suffer from a blocked ear, for example.
What is washing for
Excessive accumulation of earwax in the ear can cause minor damage to the ear canal and make hearing difficult, especially in people where the earwax is very dry, so washing helps to reduce the risk of these changes, especially when other forms of treatment fail. were successful.
In addition, and unlike the swab, it is also a relatively safe method of removing small insects or small pieces of food, preventing them from moving to a deeper place in the ear. See other ways to clean your ear without a cotton swab.
Although it is a simple technique, washing should not be done at home, as the ear has natural mechanisms to remove the wax. Thus, this technique should only be used when indicated by an otolaryngologist. However, there is a possibility to irrigate with a bulb syringe, which is sold in the pharmacy, and which is considered a safe practice to do at home.
How to do it at home
Ear washing should not be done at home, as it is necessary to have guidance from a professional to avoid complications, such as infections or perforation of the eardrum.
However, for people who suffer from accumulation of wax very often, the doctor may advise a similar technique, called bulb irrigation, which is done as follows:
- Turn the ear to and pull the ear from the top, slightly opening the ear canal; Place the tip of the bulb syringe in the ear entrance, without pushing the tip inward; Squeeze the syringe slightly and pour a small stream of warm water into the ear; Wait about 60 seconds in this position and then turn your head on your side to let the dirty water out; Dry the ear well with a soft towel or a hairdryer at low temperature.
This technique needs to be done with a bulb syringe, which can be purchased at the pharmacy.
Possible risks
Ear washing is a very safe procedure when done by an otolaryngologist or other trained health professional. Still, like any other procedure, it also has risks, such as:
- Ear infection: happens mainly when the ear canal is not properly dried after washing; Perforation of the eardrum: although it is more rare, it can arise if the washing is done poorly and push the wax into the ear; Vertigo emergence: washing may interfere with the fluids naturally present in the ear, causing the temporary sensation of vertigo; Temporary hearing loss: if washing causes inflammation in the ear.
Thus, although it can be done in certain cases, ear washing should not be very frequent, since excessive wax removal is also not beneficial. Wax is naturally produced by the ear to protect the ear canal from injury and infection.
Who should not do the washing
Although it is relatively safe, ear washing should be avoided by people with a perforated eardrum, ear infection, severe ear pain, diabetes or who have some type of disease that causes a weakened immune system.
If you cannot wash, see other natural ways to remove earwax.
