It may be a common habit that many of us do after a shower – grabbing a cotton bud to clean the ear of excess water or earwax. In fact, the most common cause of earwax blockage is using cotton buds or other objects as they actually push the wax deeper into your ear canal. So do we really need to remove earwax?
What is ear wax and why do we need it?
Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a waxy substance produced by the glands in the ear canal. It serves a protective function by trapping dust, debris and bacteria, preventing them from reaching the delicate structures of the ear. While it is a nuisance at times, it also serves as a moisturiser for the ear canal to prevent itchiness and dryness.
The body has a natural self-cleaning mechanism to remove excess earwax. The movement of the jaw during activities like talking or chewing helps to push the earwax from the ear canal towards the outer ear where it dries up and flakes off, eventually falling out of the ear naturally.
However, sometimes the self-cleaning mechanism may not work efficiently and this may lead to a build-up of earwax and symptoms. Factors such as narrow ear canals, excessive production of earwax, or improper cleaning practices can contribute to this build-up.
How is excess earwax treated?
A build-up of earwax can cause discomfort and affect hearing. Treatment for excess earwax includes:
1 Over-the-counter ear drops: The ear drops work by softening the earwax, allowing it to break down and become more fluid. This helps the wax to naturally move out of the ear canal. Some drops may also have a foaming action that helps to dislodge the wax. It is important to read the instructions carefully.
2 Removal by your doctor or nurse: Your doctor may gently syringe out the ear wax, using warm water to float it out or by a suction device by a specialist
Preventing Excessive Ear Wax Build-Up:
To maintain optimal ear health, adopting preventive measures is essential. This includes regular ear hygiene practices like cleaning the outer ear with a washcloth after a shower and avoiding the use of cotton swabs or other objects that may push wax deeper into the ear canal.
What NOT to do to remove earwax
When it comes to removing earwax, it is important to avoid certain practices that can potentially harm the ear or worsen the situation. Here are some things you should not do to remove earwax:
1. Inserting objects into the ear: Avoid using cotton swabs, hairpins, or any other objects to clean or remove earwax. These can push the wax deeper into the ear canal, potentially causing blockages or damaging the delicate structures of the ear.
2. Using excessive force: Do not forcefully try to remove earwax by digging or scraping at it. This can lead to injury, irritation or even perforation of the eardrum.
3. Overusing ear drops: While ear drops can be helpful in softening earwax, it is important not to overuse them or use them for an extended period without consulting a your doctor. Excessive use of ear drops can cause irritation or inflammation in the ear canal.
4. Using home remedies without guidance: Avoid using home remedies such as ear candling, oil-based solutions, or homemade earwax removal techniques. These methods can be ineffective, unsafe, or even cause further complications.
5. Ignoring symptoms: If you experience severe pain, hearing loss, discharge from the ear, or persistent symptoms despite using earwax removal methods, it is important not to ignore these signs. Speak to your doctor for proper evaluation and guidance.
If you are unsure about how to safely remove earwax or if you have concerns, it is always best to consult our pharmacists or your doctor for appropriate guidance.
While ear wax is a natural and necessary component of ear health, excessive build-up can lead to discomfort and hearing issues. Understanding the signs of excessive ear wax and adopting appropriate treatment measures, whether at home or through professional intervention, is crucial for maintaining optimal ear health. Speak to our pharmacist for advice on how to treat ear wax.
