The ears are generally self-cleaning, and routine cleaning inside the ear canal is not necessary or recommended. It is best to clean only the outer ear gently with a damp cloth as part of regular hygiene. For healthy ears with no symptoms, excessive cleaning can cause irritation or push wax deeper inside. If mild earwax buildup occurs, occasional use of softening drops like olive oil may help loosen wax, but overuse should be avoided. Professional ear cleaning is advised if there are symptoms such as muffled hearing, fullness, ringing, dizziness, or pain, or if there is frequent wax blockage. For most people, seeing a professional every 6 to 12 months is sufficient, especially those prone to wax accumulation or who wear hearing aids. In summary:
- Clean outer ear gently during regular hygiene.
- Do not insert objects or cotton swabs into the ear canal.
- Use ear drops occasionally if mild wax buildup occurs.
- Seek professional cleaning if symptoms develop.
- Professional cleaning every 6 to 12 months is generally recommended for maintenance or those with frequent wax problems.
