How to Clean Oily Ears: The Correct Method

Oct 30, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Xu Gang

Introduction

Prepare the required ear-cleaning tools for disinfection, and have a tissue ready. The person performing the ear cleaning should properly wear a headlamp, adjust its focus and brightness, and sit beside the patient's ear. Use hydrogen peroxide to soak and soften the inner ear canal, then rinse the ear canal with normal saline. First remove oily secretions using an ear scoop, then wipe away secretions adhering to the outer ear canal walls with cotton swabs.

Oily ears, clinically known as oily cerumen, usually refer to increased ear canal secretions or are caused by factors such as otitis media. If not cleaned regularly, oily earwax can adhere to the walls of the external auditory canal, potentially leading to a sensation of blockage and tinnitus. It is recommended to visit a hospital for professional cleaning. The procedure is as follows:

1. Sterilize all necessary ear-cleaning tools and prepare a tissue.

2. Adjust the patient's sitting position. The doctor should properly wear a headlamp, adjust its focus and brightness, and sit beside the patient's ear.

3. The doctor examines the size, depth, and angle of the patient's ear canal, then gently massages the auricular acupoints with fingertip pressure to help the patient relax.

4. Soak and soften the inner ear canal with hydrogen peroxide, then rinse the ear canal with normal saline.

5. Use an ear scoop to remove oily secretions, then use a cotton swab to wipe away any residue adhering to the walls of the external auditory canal.

6. Wipe the area around the ear with alcohol or another skin disinfectant to prevent infection.

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How to clean ears with oily earwax

Oily ears, also known as wet-type cerumen, can lead to blockage of the external auditory canal when excessive greasy substances accumulate. This condition can be treated by irrigating the ear canal with a solution. Before irrigation, use a cotton swab to clean out ear secretions to prevent interference with subsequent steps. After the procedure, maintain ear hygiene and instill antibiotic ear drops to prevent infection.

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Is it normal for the inside of the ear to be wet?

It is possible for the ear to be wet, which may be normal or abnormal. Some people are born with oily ears due to genetic factors that cause moisture inside the ear. However, damage to hair follicles and ceruminous glands in the external auditory canal can trigger external otitis; acute or chronic ear eczema can lead to excessive exudation of light yellow fluid from the ear canal skin, resulting in a wet ear. Cerebrospinal fluid otorrhea can also cause a wet ear. All of these conditions are considered abnormal.

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Quick Tips for Unclogging Oily Earwax

Cerumen that is easily accessible at the ear canal opening can be removed with a cotton swab. For deeper or harder cerumen, sodium bicarbonate solution can be used for local soaking to facilitate removal. If cotton swabs or ear drops are ineffective, individuals can visit the otorhinolaryngology department of a正规 hospital, where a specialist can use suction under endoscopic guidance to safely remove the cerumen from the ear.