After ear cleaning, it is normal,
- if your ears feel strange
- to feel dizzy –do remain seated and rest if you feel this
- to experience these feelings. It will go away in a few days
No dig rule
- do not put anything into your ears: e.g. cotton bud, Q-tip, fingers, ear digger, tissue paper
- digging damages the natural lining and causes bleeding
- the skin inside your ear is very delicate and protects your ears
- ears are naturally self-cleansing
Avoid Earbuds and Earplugs
- prolonged usage causes itch and infection
- ush ear wax deeper into canals
- use headphones, ear masks or bone-conduction earphones instead
Keep ears dry
- ensure no water goes into your ears
- use an ear cover or cotton ball during a shower
- if wet, air or blow dry with cool air using a hair dryer
- avoid swimming, if recovering from an ear infection
See a doctor if
- you are still not better after a week
Return immediately if
- ear pain persists or becomes severe
- ear continues bleeding
- you have a degree more than 39 degrees
Simply remember,
- Nothing goes into your ear.
- Leave your ears alone.
- Your ears usually take care of themselves.
References
Schwartz SR, Magit AE, Rosenfeld RM, et al.
Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. 2017;156(1 Suppl):S1-S29.
DOI: 10.1177/0194599816671491.
Rosenfeld RM, Schwartz SR, Cannon CR, et al. Clinical Practice Guideline: Acute Otitis Externa.
Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. 2014;150(Suppl 1):S1-S24.
Hauk L. Cerumen Impaction: An Updated Guideline from the AAO-HNSF.
American Family Physician. 2017;96(4):263–264.
