Can ears be cleaned?

Generally, the ears can be cleaned, but this procedure must be performed by a qualified physician—self-cleaning is strongly discouraged.

Cerumen (earwax) impaction or external otitis leading to increased ear discharge and subsequent hearing impairment may necessitate professional ear cleaning. However, this should only be performed by an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) in a clinical setting. Typically, the physician first removes visible debris from the external auditory canal, then irrigates the canal with normal saline. Alternatively, sodium bicarbonate solution may be instilled into the ear for approximately three days to soften impacted cerumen, followed by gentle irrigation of the external auditory canal. Attempting to clean the ears without professional guidance risks tympanic membrane perforation, potentially causing symptoms such as hearing loss, tinnitus, or ear pain.

Individuals with naturally high cerumen production—especially those with hyperactive ceruminous glands—are more prone to cerumen impaction and associated hearing loss. Regular, professionally supervised ear cleaning helps maintain patency of the external auditory canal and reduces the likelihood of recurrent cerumen impaction.