Earwax (also known as earwax) is a natural protector of the ear. But it might not be easy. Earwax can interfere with hearing, cause infections, and cause discomfort. Many people think it’s dirty and can’t resist the urge to clean it, especially if they feel or see it.
However, removing or removing earwax without a medical problem can cause problems deep in the ear. To help you understand the do’s and don’ts of ear wax removal, we’ve put together six facts you should know:
There are tiny hairs and glands in your ear canal that naturally secrete waxy oil. Earwax protects the ear canal and inner ear as a moisturizer, lubricant, and water repellent.
When you speak or chew with your jaw, this action helps move the wax to the outer opening of the ear, where it can drain. During the process, the wax picks up and removes harmful dirt, cells, and dead skin that can lead to infection.
If your ears aren’t clogged with wax, you don’t have to go out of your way to clean them. Once the earwax naturally moves towards the opening of the ear canal, it usually falls off or is washed away.
Usually shampooing is enough to remove wax from the surface of the ears. When you shower, a small amount of warm water enters your ear canal to loosen any wax that has accumulated there. Use a damp washcloth to remove wax from outside the ear canal.
About 5% of adults have excess or damaged earwax. Some people naturally produce more earwax than others. Earwax that doesn’t move quickly or picks up too much dirt along the way can harden and dry out. Others produce an average amount of earwax, but when earplugs, earbuds, or hearing aids interrupt the natural flow, earwax can be affected.
Regardless of why it forms, affected earwax can affect your hearing and cause discomfort. If you have an earwax infection, you may experience the following symptoms:
You might be tempted to grab a cotton swab and get to work as soon as you see or feel the wax. But you can do more harm than good. Use cotton swabs to:
Cotton swabs can help clean the outside of the ear. Just make sure they don’t get into your ear canal.
Wax removal is the most common ENT (ear and throat) procedure performed by a primary care physician (PCP) in the United States. Your doctor knows how to soften and safely remove wax with special tools such as wax spoons, suction devices, or ear forceps (a long, thin tool used to capture wax).
If your earwax buildup is common, your health care provider may recommend regular home wax removal before it gets affected. You can safely remove earwax at home by:
OTC ear drops, often containing hydrogen peroxide as the main ingredient, can help soften hardened earwax. Your doctor can tell you how many drops to use each day and for how many days.
Irrigation(gentle rinsing) of the ear canals can reduce the risk of earwax blockage. It involves using a Ear irrigation device to inject water into the ear canal. It also flushes out earwax when water or solution leaks out of the ear.
Use the wax softener drops before irrigation your ears for best results. And be sure to warm the solution to your body temperature. Cold water can stimulate the vestibular nerve (associated with movement and position) and cause dizziness. If symptoms of cerumen persist after rinsing your ears, contact your PCP.
Post time: Jun-01-2023