Mitchb, it probably depends on your doctor and on your condition. I have been personally cleaning by own ears for the last 50 years. Initially, doctors had recommend removal of my adenoids because my hearing was off. Then a ear doctor looked into my ears, which one might well expect would be a first thing to do. He found a quarter of inch in diameter and better than a 1/2 inch long plug of wax. It could not be flushed out, but had to be softened and carefully removed.
Thereafter for many years I had to yearly go in to have the wax removed. While my condition was severe, he said that many have ear wax accumulation. At some point a doctor told me I should invest in a rubber ear syringe and flush my ears every three or four months. He said to follow the directions carefully as you can damage your ear drums. I have done so since and many visits to a doctor for my physical have always found him satisfied that my ears are clean and have no problem. Usually, I do not need to soften the wax as warm water makes it soft. Sometimes I then put several drops of alcohol in to dry my ears.
I actually notice that I loose high frequencies in my left and most troublesome ear. When I hear this as I did this last week, I know I have been remiss and need to flush my ears. I did so this morning. I notice after getting plugs out what everything has more high frequency content.
If you have a yearly physical and the doctor checks your ears and makes no comments, you probably have no problem or benefit from cleaning out your ears. I have such good fortune.
Thereafter for many years I had to yearly go in to have the wax removed. While my condition was severe, he said that many have ear wax accumulation. At some point a doctor told me I should invest in a rubber ear syringe and flush my ears every three or four months. He said to follow the directions carefully as you can damage your ear drums. I have done so since and many visits to a doctor for my physical have always found him satisfied that my ears are clean and have no problem. Usually, I do not need to soften the wax as warm water makes it soft. Sometimes I then put several drops of alcohol in to dry my ears.
I actually notice that I loose high frequencies in my left and most troublesome ear. When I hear this as I did this last week, I know I have been remiss and need to flush my ears. I did so this morning. I notice after getting plugs out what everything has more high frequency content.
If you have a yearly physical and the doctor checks your ears and makes no comments, you probably have no problem or benefit from cleaning out your ears. I have such good fortune.