Cleaning ears - ie removing wax

[spokette]

I currently use cotton buds but I recently heard that that it is not very hygienic. In addition, I have previously wondered how much wax I was actually compacting in my ear through my use of cotton buds. Consequently, I'm reluctant to use cotton buds on my 3yo DTS.

So if anyone has a better method for removing wax, I'm all ears (excuse the pun!).

TIA

You shouldn't need to clean them out at all.

If there is ear wax visible in the outer ear, wipe it away.

otherwise leave it alone. It is supposed to be there

I think you're not supposed to use anything at all - the excess wax will work its way out by itself if you leave it alone. Not supposed to poke anything into kids' ears really (or adults' ears either, although we all do ).

I know it's frustrating, DS2 used to have right gammy ears and it took a lot of self control not to pin him down and gouge it all out...

I was in the office yesterday, scratched my ear and there was a lump of wax on my finger nails even though I had wiped the outer part in the shower earlier.

Hence the question. OK, I will just continue to wipe the outside. Thanks!

My Gp says that you shouldn't put anything smaller than an elbow into your ear (I think she was telling me not to clean the DCs ears.......)

You're not supposed to poke things in. if blocked, try putting almond or oliveoil in overnight with some cotton wool to hold it in. this will soften it.