How Often Should Seniors Get Their Ears Cleaned? The Facts & Myths

Earwax often gets a bad reputation, but it’s actually one of the body’s best natural defenses. For older adults, knowing how often should seniors get their ears cleaned is more than a hygiene question — it’s a matter of protecting hearing health, comfort, and even balance.

Why Earwax Matters

Earwax (cerumen) keeps the ear canal lubricated, traps dust and debris, and helps prevent infections. The Mayo Clinic notes that earwax naturally moves toward the outer ear, where it dries and flakes away. But with age, this process can slow, making blockages more common in seniors.

Factors that increase buildup risk include:

• Hearing aid use

• Narrow or curved ear canals

• Skin conditions like eczema

• Overproduction of cerumen

How Often Should Seniors Get Their Ears Cleaned?

For most older adults, professional ear cleaning is only needed once or twice a year — but this can vary. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, you should have your ears checked more often if you:

• Wear hearing aids daily

• Experience sudden hearing loss or muffled hearing

• Have frequent ear infections

• Notice ear fullness or ringing

Innisfil Hearing Tip: If you use hearing aids, we recommend a quick ear check every 4–6 months to keep devices working at their best and prevent discomfort.

The Risks of DIY Ear Cleaning

Many seniors reach for cotton swabs, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns against inserting anything into the ear canal. This can:

• Push wax deeper

• Scratch the ear canal

• Cause infection

• Damage the eardrum

Over-the-counter ear drops can help soften wax, but they should be used with caution, especially if you have a history of ear surgery, perforated eardrum, or chronic ear infections.

Seasonal Considerations for Ear Health

Ontario winters can be dry, causing earwax to harden more quickly. Seniors who spend a lot of time outdoors in cold, windy conditions should watch for symptoms of blockage — especially if they wear hats or earmuffs that press against the ears.

Signs It’s Time to Book a Cleaning

Seek professional help if you experience:

• Muffled hearing

• Ear fullness

• Itching or irritation

• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

• Dizziness or imbalance

These symptoms can sometimes mimic other health issues, so a hearing care professional or ENT should make the diagnosis.

The Bottom Line

How often should seniors get their ears cleaned? For most, once or twice a year is enough — but those with hearing aids or frequent blockages may need more regular checks. Professional cleanings not only protect your hearing but also keep your ears healthy and free from avoidable complications.

To keep your hearing clear year-round, book an earwax check and cleaning at Innisfil Hearing. Our team offers gentle, safe ear care tailored to seniors’ needs.