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Safe habits
- I only wipe the outer ear with a cloth after bathing.
- I keep ears dry if I have had ear infections or a hole in the eardrum.
- I keep earphone volume moderate and take breaks.
Use only with care
- I use pharmacy wax-softening drops for a few days (only if there is no pain, discharge or known eardrum hole).
Please stop (F tier)
- I clean my ears with cotton buds.
- I use ear candles.
- I use hairpins, keys, matchsticks or feathers.
- I put warm oil, garlic oil, onion juice or other home liquids in my ear.
- I use leftover or someone else's ear drops.
- I get my ears cleaned by roadside ear cleaners.
Signs to get your ears checked
- My ear feels blocked again and again.
- Ear pain, discharge or a bad smell.
- Reduced hearing, ringing or dizziness.
What your ticks may mean
Ear wax is the ear's own cleaner. Cotton buds and tools tend to push it deeper and can scratch the canal or injure the eardrum. Oils and home liquids can be harmful if the eardrum is not intact, and that cannot be seen from outside.
See a doctor promptly if
You have ear pain with fever, discharge, sudden hearing loss or severe dizziness. Sudden hearing loss in one ear needs same-day attention.