For millions of people spring marks the start of allergy season. In fact 13 million people in the UK suffer from hay fever¹ and while symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes and congestion are well known, many people are surprised to experience issues with their ears too.
Spring allergies can cause ear symptoms including pain, pressure, fullness, cracking, or itching due to inflammation of the Eustachian tubes. When pollen triggers the release of histamine, it can cause swelling and fluid build-up in the ears that blocks these tubes, leading to temporary muffled hearing, discomfort, or even dizziness.
These sensations can make it especially tempting to try to spring clean your ears for relief. However, before reaching for a cotton bud, it’s important to understand that ear wax actually plays a vital role in maintaining ear health and your cleaning could actually do more harm than good.
Expert audiologist, Kayleigh Waters at Boots Hearingcare, shares her top tips for spring cleaning your ears.
Why you should avoid using cotton buds
The most common method people use to clean their ears and remove wax is cotton buds. However, Kayleigh warns that this method should be avoided.
Kayleigh explains: “You might think you’re removing wax when you see residue on the end of a cotton bud, but don’t be fooled. Putting a cotton bud down your ear canal actually pushes wax deeper into the ear, which can cause further build-up and make it more difficult to remove.
“Not only does this fail to remove wax properly, but it can also injure the delicate skin of the ear canal, compact earwax against the eardrum, or in the worst case scenario perforate the eardrum. It also increases the risk of painful ear infections.”
Why ear candles aren’t the answer
Kayleigh adds: “Another method people sometimes consider, but we would never recommend, is ear candling. This involves placing a candle in the ear while lying on your side and lighting it, with claims that the flame creates suction to remove wax.”
“They’re often marketed as a natural remedy, but they are ineffective and can be dangerous. There is no scientific evidence they remove wax, and they can result in injuries such as burns or even eardrum perforation.”
Three safe ways to spring clean your ears at home
If spring allergies are making your ears feel itchy or blocked, there are safer ways to care for them.
- Leave your ears alone
Whilst it may seem counterintuitive, ears are designed to clean themselves.
Kayleigh says: “Your ears are a self-cleaning organ that is naturally designed to maintain ear hygiene. So while it might feel satisfying to clean them, it’s generally best to leave them alone unless wax build-up becomes a real problem.”
“Ear wax actually protects your ears. It helps prevent dust and water entering the ear canal, lubricates the skin so it doesn’t become dry or itchy, and traps bacteria that could otherwise cause infection.”
- Wash the outer ear regularly
Simple hygiene habits can help support the ear’s natural cleaning process.
Kayleigh suggests: “When you’re in the shower or bath, gently wash the outer part of your ears with soap and warm water. You can also use a damp washcloth to carefully clean the outer ear.
“This can soften ear wax, helping it move naturally towards the ear opening as part of the ear’s self-cleaning process.”
- Consider ear irrigation kits if needed
If you frequently experience wax build-up, an ear irrigation kit which should be available at most pharmacies may help.
Kayleigh says: “These kits can help remove excess wax safely, but they should only be used if necessary. It’s always best to consult a medical professional first to make sure it’s the right option for you.
“Before using an irrigation kit, apply wax-softening drops as directed. This helps loosen the wax so it can be removed more easily during the process.”
When to seek professional help
If you experience symptoms such as reduced hearing, earache, or ringing in the ears, it’s important to seek advice from a medical professional or book a free hearing test.
Kayleigh says: “If wax build-up becomes severe, an audiologist or healthcare provider can determine the most suitable treatment. This may include ear irrigation, micro-suction, or manual removal.”
For more information on how to safely clean your ears, visit: https://www.bootshearingcare.com/hearing-health/tips-for-ear-cleaning/
