Cerumen is the medical synonym for common ear wax. It is produced by goblet cells that are uniquely found in the skin of the external ear. Cerumen is a natural barrier to bacteria and is healthy. Some folks who do not make cerumen are more susceptible to itching in the ears and external ear infections that can be very painful. Other folks in response to chronic irritation of external canal skin have increased production of cerumen and may be more susceptible to blocked ears or cerumen impactions.
A good healthy way to take care of your ears is to simply let water from the shower wash away any cerumen. It’s fine to let shower water get into ears that are normal. Use a wash cloth with soap and water to clean the outside of the ear and towel dry. If shower water is uncomfortable, please get examined to make sure you do not have a perforation of the ear drum.
If you have a tendency to form hard or dry cerumen, there are plenty of over-the-counter wax softeners you can buy. Use them once or twice a week. When applying, lay on your side for about 15 minutes and let liquid bathe the ear canal. A good wax softener is warm olive oil, and everyone has olive oil in the kitchen cabinet.
Cleaning your ears with an instrument that you stick in your ear is not smart and can be dangerous. I have personally seen patients who ended up with ear drum perforations and hearing loss who tried to do it themselves. Unless you are a very talented ear surgeon, do not perform surgery on yourself and especially on a body part that you cannot see.
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