Ear Care 101: The Basics of Healthy Ears

Authored by the All Ears Nurse Leadership Team

Most people don’t think much about their ears until something feels itchy, clogged, or muffled. As nurses, we see it every day. Your ears work quietly in the background helping you hear the world around you, regulate balance, and filter out bacteria and debris. They might be small, but they do a lot.

We’re here to tell you that good ear care doesn’t need to be complicated! It just needs to be consistent, gentle, and based on what your ears actually need. Consider this your practical guide to everyday ear health, written by the people who care for ears all day long.

Let’s start with the basics.

Why Ear Care Matters More Than You Think

Earwax is natural. In fact, your body produces it to protect you. It traps dust and bacteria, moisturizes the skin in the ear canal, and creates a barrier that helps prevent infection. When everything is working normally, earwax slowly migrates outward on its own.

But for millions of people, that process gets disrupted. Excess earwax can build up and cause symptoms like fullness, muffled hearing, itching, pain, or even dizziness. It is one of the most common reasons adults struggle with hearing changes, and one of the most overlooked.

A little education goes a long way. When you understand how to take care of your ears at home, you can prevent discomfort and avoid habits that actually make things worse.

What Healthy At-Home Ear Care Looks Like

Here’s the good news: healthy ear care is simple, and it doesn’t involve sticking anything into your ear canal.

1. Clean only what you can see: Use a soft washcloth to wipe the outer ear after showering. That is all most ears need.

2. Let your ears dry: After a shower or swim, let water drain out naturally. A quick tilt of your head or a towel around the outer ear helps prevent moisture from sitting in the canal.

3. Protect your ears from irritants: Hair products, fragrances, or earbuds worn for long periods can irritate the skin or trap moisture. If your ears feel itchy or dry, simplifying your routine often helps.
   

What Not to Put in Your Ears

Now, let’s talk about what to avoid.

1. Cotton swabs: Cotton swabs push earwax deeper into the canal and often create the very impaction you are trying to fix. They can also scratch delicate skin, which increases the risk of infection. If you're going to use them, you can clean the outside of your ears with cotton swabs!

2. Bobby pins, keys, or anything with an edge: We have seen it all. These items can puncture the skin or the eardrum and should never be placed inside the ear.

3. Unregulated tools: They may look satisfying on social media, but they come with real risks. Without training, it is easy to cause injury or push earwax further inward.

Your ear canal is self-cleaning. Introducing tools is more likely to cause problems than solve them.

Common Symptoms That Mean Your Ears Need Attention

Pay attention to symptoms that do not resolve on their own.

• Persistent itching

• Ear fullness or pressure

• Muffled hearing

• Ringing or buzzing

• Pain when chewing or touching the ear

• Drainage or odor

• Dizziness after water exposure
  
  

These may indicate impacted earwax, irritation, infection, or another condition that deserves evaluation.

When It Is Time for a Professional Ear Cleaning

At-home care can only go so far. When excess earwax builds up, the safest option is a professional cleaning with a trained clinician.

At All Ears, we use OtoSet, the first and only FDA-cleared automated ear cleaning device of its kind. It is a modern, gentle approach that combines warm water irrigation with microsuction to remove earwax in just a few minutes. Because the pressures are regulated and the ear canal is evaluated first, it is significantly safer and more effective than DIY methods.

We examine every ear before treatment to ensure OtoSet is the right option for you. If you have a perforation, tubes, recent ear surgery, or any other contraindication, we will guide you toward a safe alternative. Your comfort and safety come first.

Most people walk out feeling lighter, clearer, and surprised by how much their hearing improves. That clean ear feeling is real, and it is one of the most rewarding parts of our work.

The Bottom Line

Healthy ears do not require complicated routines. They need gentle care, a little attention, and the right support when earwax builds up. Clean the outer ear only. Avoid tools that promise quick fixes. Listen to your symptoms. And when your ears need a deeper clean, let a professional handle it.

Your ears work hard for you every day. Treat them kindly!

Ready for a professional ear cleaning or hearing check? Find your nearest All Ears Ear Care Studio at VisitAllEars.com.