Proper ENT hygiene
We brush our teeth – hopefully – every day. In the same way, the nose and ears should also receive regular care. This serves not only the necessary cleanliness, but also protection against conditions of these important and sensitive body regions. And you can even do something good for your voice.
Caring for your ears properly
The ear is largely able to clean itself. Earwax (cerumen) is not a sign of poor hygiene but performs an important protective role: it keeps the ear canal supple, traps dust and dirt particles, and helps ward off colonisation by pathogens. Through the natural movements of chewing and speaking, the cerumen slowly migrates outward, where it dries and falls away on its own.
For daily care it is generally enough to clean the outer ear and the area behind it with a soft, damp cloth. Cleaning the ear canal with cotton swabs is widely discouraged: they often push the earwax deeper into the canal, can disturb the delicate self-cleaning mechanism and, in unfavourable cases, injure the skin or the eardrum. Pointed objects should likewise not be used for cleaning. If you feel that an ear is blocked or hearing less well, a specialist assessment is the more sensible route than reaching for a cotton swab.
Caring gently for your nose
The nose moistens, warms and cleans the air we breathe before it reaches the deeper airways. To carry out these tasks, the mucous membranes depend on sufficient moisture. Especially during the heating season or in air-conditioned rooms, the nasal lining can dry out. Saline nasal sprays or nasal rinses with an isotonic salt solution are generally regarded as a gentle way to moisten the mucous membranes and loosen trapped secretions.
Decongestant nasal sprays can provide short-term relief for a clearer nose during a cold. With prolonged use, however, there is a risk of dependence, in which the lining repeatedly swells again without the spray. Experts therefore point out that such preparations should be used only for a limited period and after consulting a doctor. If complaints such as persistently obstructed nasal breathing continue, an examination of the nose and paranasal sinuses is advisable.
Your voice benefits too
The voice is produced in the larynx and reacts sensitively to dryness and irritation. Drinking enough fluids, good air humidity and avoiding tobacco smoke are generally considered beneficial for a healthy voice. Anyone who uses their voice heavily at work can give it some relief through regular speaking breaks. If hoarseness persists for several weeks, the cause should be clarified by a specialist.
Further information
- The ear – structure and function (HNO-Ärzte im Netz, in German)
- Nose and paranasal sinuses (HNO-Ärzte im Netz, in German)
- Earwax – clearly explained (gesund.bund.de)
Last reviewed: July 2026