The Truth About Cleaning Your Ears

Sticky yellow earwax. If you think you need to get rid of it to keep your ears clean, think again. Here's what the truth sounds like.

Should I ever clean inside my ears with cotton swabs? No. You could technically scratch your ear canal or push wax in deeper.

Then what should I do about earwax? Usually, nothing. It tends to fall out on its own, and before it does, it helps protect your ear drums by trapping dust and dirt.

But what if my ear feels like it's clogged up with wax? Can I clean inside it, then? Only if your doctor tells you to. A buildup of wax can lead to pain, hearing loss, and ringing in the ears. If this is what's causing your symptoms, your doctor may prescribe ear drops or suggest other ways to clean it out.

How about the outsides of my ears? Can I clean them? Yes. You can wash them with a cloth while you're showering or do your usual skin care routine. And that's the truth. We hope it was music to your ears.