How do you clean your ears?

[Conti]

Doctors say not to put q-tips in your ears. So dopers…how do each of you clean your ears? Nobody wants to go around with wax buildup!

Conti

[Jervoise]

Meh, I’m fine with the wax build-up.

Here’s what the Master sez:

In most people earwax is produced in modest amounts and migrates out of the ear naturally. But a few people such as yourself are, let’s face it, freaks. You may be tempted to remove excess earwax with a Q-tip or the like. Don’t; you’ll pack it in tighter. Better you should try an over-the-counter preparation such as Debrox or ordinary mineral oil. You put in a dropperful and pack your ear with cotton; the earwax softens and comes out.

[handy]

Have a search for ‘ear candle’…there has been some discussion about those.

[bernse]

I put my shower head on “massage” so I have only about 5 or 6 pulsing streams coming out of it and stick my ear under it. My Dr recomended it and so far, seems to work.

[Gatopescado]

Either the ignition key to a specific car I own, or a carefully selected top to a Bic Round Stic pen.

My wife won’t touch my keys and there is one “special” pen in our house that isn’t used for anything else.

[Victory_Candescence]

I don’t have Q-tips. I use a tissue to clean my ears.

[thinksnow]

I use Q-tips

[rjung]

I take a small paper clip, unbend the outer end to make a handle, then use it as an impromptu shovel.

Yes, it is disgusting, and I’m the guy who’s doing it… :eek:

[jk1245]

Mineral oil, warm water, a squirt bulb (and thou).

Works like a charm.

[Gozu_Tashoya]

*Originally posted by rjung *
**I take a small paper clip, unbend the outer end to make a handle, then use it as an impromptu shovel.

Yes, it is disgusting, and I’m the guy who’s doing it… :eek: **

I posted this once already, but I guess the server ate it…

Anyway, if you prefer to scrape, I’d recommend hitting up a Japanese drug or department store, as there are bamboo (or bamboo-looking plastic) ear cleaners that have a wider, smoother, and, I’d imagine, altogether safer “scoop” than a paper clip would provide.

If you can’t find one in your area (FWIW, I’d imagine that Yaohan plaza - or whatever the new management’s name is - in Little Tokyo would have it), I’d be willing to see if I could find one up here and ship it over to ya.

I mean, paper clips… :shudders:

[Qadgop_the_Mercotan]

The master debunks ear candles: http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a5_098.html

[cercaria]

I don’t clean them at all. Is this gross of me? My boyfriend thinks it’s downright nasty, but it’s not like I have any buildup or anything.

[Qadgop_the_Mercotan]

*Originally posted by cercaria *
**I don’t clean them at all. Is this gross of me? My boyfriend thinks it’s downright nasty, but it’s not like I have any buildup or anything. **

Then don’t start looking for solutions to non-problems!

QtM, MD

[rjung]

*Originally posted by KKBattousai *
Anyway, if you prefer to scrape, I’d recommend hitting up a Japanese drug or department store, as there are bamboo (or bamboo-looking plastic) ear cleaners that have a wider, smoother, and, I’d imagine, altogether safer “scoop” than a paper clip would provide.

Actually, I used to use a metal version of one of those, but switched to paper clips because they get the wax out quicker.

I mean, paper clips… :shudders:

Hey, I never said it was pretty…

[Venoma]

My ear canals get itchy if I go too long w/o cleaning, I use q-tips with alcohol. (the alcohol gets rid of the itch)

[Una_Persson]

Speaking as a person who suffers from a recurrent otitis media (middle ear infection), which has managed to blow out my eardrums at least once in each ear, just be freaking careful digging around in there! :eek:

[flyboy]

I’ve been using Q-tips almost every day since I was a kid and I’ve never had a problem. As long as you do it right, it’s not dangerous. At least for me.

[bibliophile]

*Originally posted by thinksnow *
**I use Q-tips **

Me too, love that eargasm!

[lieu]

I lay on the floor next to the shoe buffer.

And you thought I was just brushing my teeth!

[AskNott]

Debrox, then an ear syringe. Fill the bathroom sink half fulla warm soapy water. Use the syringe to squirt the water into your ear until no more gunk comes out. It’s surprising how much crud accumulates. Makes you wonder if some of it is dessicated Rap noise.