How to Clean Your Ears Without a Cotton Swab

Ears are normally self-cleaning. However, despite doctors' warnings, many use cotton swabs to do the job.

STORY AT-A-GLANCE

• Ears are normally self-cleaning, but if you experience symptoms of excess earwax, including hearing loss, you may safely remove it using oil to soften the wax and a 3% hydrogen peroxide soak for five minutes

• Cotton swabs are a major cause of eardrum punctures; a sample of emergency room records showed 66% of those treated for a traumatic…