Health Insights

Expert insights and articles about ear, nose, and throat health to help you make informed decisions about your healthcare.

Earwax Myths: What You Need to Know About Ear Cleaning

Earwax has a bad reputation, but here’s the truth: it’s actually good for you. Earwax protects and cleans your ear canal. Still, myths about cleaning ears are very common.

Common Myths

”Cotton buds are safe.”

Actually, they push wax deeper and can damage your ear canal. Cotton buds often cause more problems than they solve.

”Ear candling works.”

It’s dangerous and doesn’t remove wax. This practice can lead to serious injuries and has no scientific backing.

”No earwax means clean ears.”

Healthy ears produce some wax. It’s a natural and necessary part of ear health.

The Right Way to Handle Earwax

Let your ears self-clean

  • Wax often comes out naturally
  • Your ears have a built-in cleaning mechanism

Use ear drops if ears feel blocked

  • Only use doctor-recommended drops
  • Follow proper application instructions

See an ENT doctor if there’s:

  • Pain
  • Hearing loss
  • Impacted wax

When to Worry

Seek medical help immediately if you notice:

  • Severe ear pain
  • Blood or pus
  • Sudden hearing loss

How Dr. Farissa Can Help

Dr. Farissa provides safe and effective ear cleaning using specialized tools that avoid injury to the delicate ear canal. She also identifies whether earwax buildup is the real cause of hearing issues, or if another condition is at play. For patients with recurring blockages, she offers guidance on safe home care and preventive measures so problems don’t keep coming back.

Final Thought

Earwax isn’t dirty — it’s your body’s natural defense. Avoid DIY cleaning and trust the experts when needed. Your ears are self-cleaning organs that usually need minimal intervention.