Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a natural substance produced in the ear canal. It serves as a protectant, offering antibacterial and antifungal properties, and helps to keep the ear canal healthy. While earwax is beneficial, excessive buildup can lead to discomfort, hearing impairment, and other issues. This article discusses safe and effective methods for earwax removal, emphasizing the importance of avoiding potentially harmful practices.
Earwax is not just a nuisance; it plays a vital role in maintaining ear health. The ear canal contains tiny hairs and glands that secrete a waxy oil, which acts as a moisturizer, lubricant, and water repellent. As you move your jaw to talk or chew, the motion helps move the wax toward your ear’s outer opening, where it can drain out. Along the way, the wax gathers and removes harmful dirt, cells, and dead skin that can lead to infection. Tests have shown that it has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Normally, earwax drains from the ears and does not cause problems. Guidelines from the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery stress a let-it-be attitude toward earwax and warn against removal unless the earwax is causing a problem. However, some individuals produce more earwax than others, or their ear canals may not effectively expel the wax naturally. In these cases, earwax can accumulate and harden, leading to a blockage known as cerumen impaction. This can cause symptoms such as:
If you experience these symptoms, it may be necessary to remove the excess earwax.
If earwax build-up is common for you, your healthcare provider may recommend removing it regularly at home before it becomes impacted. Several safe and effective methods can be used at home to soften and remove earwax:
Over-the-counter ear drops, which often contain hydrogen peroxide as the main ingredient, can help soften hardened wax. Your physician can tell you how many drops to use each day and how many days to use them. The water-based ones contain ingredients such as acetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, or sodium bicarbonate. Oil-based products lubricate and soften the earwax. Studies haven't shown one type to be better than the other.
To use softening drops:
Irrigating (gently rinsing) your ear canal can reduce the risk of earwax impaction. It involves using a rubber bulb syringe to squirt water or a saline solution into the ear canal. When the water or solution drains out of the ear, it also flushes out loose ear wax. Use wax-softening ear drops before rinsing out your ear for the best results. And be sure to warm the solution to your body temperature. Cold water can stimulate the vestibular nerve (related to motion and position) and cause dizziness.
To irrigate your ear:
Various types of oil, such as olive oil, almond oil, baby oil, or mineral oil, can be used to soften earwax.
To use oil:
It is crucial to avoid certain methods that can be harmful to the ear canal and eardrum:
Despite being a common household item, cotton swabs should not be inserted into the ear canal to remove earwax. A manufacturer’s warning on the package says it all: Do not insert swab into the ear canal. Using cotton swabs can:
Cotton swabs can help clean the outside of the ear. Just be sure not to insert them into the ear canal.
Ear candling, also called ear coning, is a technique where one end of a hollow, cone-shaped candle is lit while the other unlit end is placed into the ear. The idea is that the heat from the flame will make a vacuum seal that draws wax up and out of the ear. This method is not recommended because it can cause burns and lead to wax getting stuck in your ear. Research has found that ear candling doesn't work. It also may burn or damage the ear. The Food and Drug Administration warns that this method can cause burns, perforated eardrums, and blockage of the ear canal. It’s especially dangerous for children.
These are also not recommended as they can cause ear problems like eardrum punctures and damage to your ear canal.
In some cases, home remedies may not be sufficient to remove impacted earwax. It is essential to seek professional medical help if you experience any of the following:
A healthcare professional can safely remove earwax using specialized tools and techniques, such as:
While you cannot completely prevent earwax formation, you can take steps to minimize buildup:
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