Doctor, Please Explain Earwax

• Why does the body produce earwax?

• What is the recommended method of ear cleaning?

• When should a doctor be consulted?

• and more…

The ear is a delicate structure including the skin of the ear canal and the eardrum. Therefore, special care should be given to this part of the body. Start by discontinuing the use of cotton-tipped applicators and the habit of probing the ears.

Why does the body produce earwax?

Cerumen or earwax is healthy in normal amounts and serves to coat the skin of the ear canal where it acts as a temporary water repellent. The absence of earwax may result in dry, itchy ears. Most of the time the ear canals are self-cleaning; that is, there is a slow and orderly migration of ear canal skin from the eardrum to the ear opening. Old earwax is constantly being transported from the ear canal to the ear opening where it usually dries, flakes, and falls out.

What is the recommended method of ear cleaning?

Under ideal circumstances, the ear canals should never have to be cleaned. However, that isn’t always the case.

 Ear softeners can be used to soften the wax which will help for easy removal of wax by an ent surgeon. Rarely, people have allergic reactions to commercial preparations.

Hydrogen peroxide  may also aid in the removal of wax. Rinsing the ear canal with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) results in oxygen bubbling off and water being left behind—wet, warm ear canals make good incubators for growth of bacteria.

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Why shouldn’t cotton swabs be used to clean earwax?

Wax blockage is one of the most common causes of hearing loss. This is often caused by attempts to clean the ear with cotton swabs. Most cleaning attempts merely push the wax deeper into the ear canal, causing a blockage. 

What are the symptoms of wax build-up?

• Hearing loss

• Tinnitus, noises in the ear

• Earache

• Fullness in the ear or a sensation the ear is plugged 

When should a doctor be consulted?

If the above said symptoms were present, then consult an ear,nose,throat specialist who will remove the wax under endoscopic or microscopic visualization.