How should ears be properly cleaned?

By Pure Matters

Normally, ears canals are self-cleaning and should not need cleaning with any devices or cotton-tipped applicators. Cleaning the ear can cause problems by pushing the ear wax deeper into the ear canal and against the eardrum. However, sometimes wax can accumulate excessively, resulting in a blocked ear canal. In the case of a blocked ear canal, consult your physician. He/she may recommend one or more of the following:

• an irrigation of the ear canal to wash out the wax
• a vacuuming of the ear canal to remove the wax
• the use of a special instrument(s) to remove the wax
• prescription eardrops or mineral oil to soften the wax

Always consult your physician for a diagnosis and for additional information.

Source: http://resources.purematters.com/healthy-body/ears-and-airplane-travel-ear-wax-and-ear-cleaning