It’s sticky and shiny – but what is it? Earwax, also called cerumen, is formed by special glands in the outer part of the ear canal. Earwax is supposed to trap dust and dirt particles from the eardrum, as well as provide lubrication and act as a water repellant. Usually it’s not a problem as it accumulates a bit, dries out and then falls out when we eat, talk and move our jaw. It may also slowly migrate to the outside and we can wipe it off.
Under ideal circumstances, you should never have to clean out your ears canals as they are self-cleaning. But some people have very active earwax glands which produce a lot of wax. Others have small ear canals. Some people just have wax that builds up very fast and blocks the canal. That old clich? of “Never put anything into your ear that’s smaller than your elbow” is wise advice. This includes Q-tips, bobby pins, a pencil tip, paper clips, and fingers. You can tear your eardrum and mostly just ram the wax deeper into the canal so it acts like a plug over your eardrum. Wax blockage is one of the most common causes of decreased hearing and may also cause a full sensation, an ache or noises in the ear.
Here are some ways to help prevent earwax buildup so that you don’t form the hard little plug that needs to be removed by a health care provider.
Drop in a softening solution. Try hydrogen peroxide, mineral oil, cooking oil, or glycerin for inexpensive cleaning. Over-the-counter cleaners like Debrox or Murine are also fine. Add a drop or two of the liquids, and then put a piece of cotton in the canal to prevent staining clothing and linens. In the morning, wash it out in the shower. You may have to do it for a couple days and it helps control wax buildup.
Blow dry your ears. Don’t rub your ears dry, but try blow-drying them or drop a little alcohol in each ear to complete the drying after showering.
Make it a habit. A once-a-month earwash is plenty. You don’t want to wash away your protection. The absence of earwax may result in dry, itchy ears.
If home treatments don’t seem to work or you are uncertain about your situation see a health care provider.
Sources:
www.entnet.org
www.mothernature.com
kidshealth.org
www.ups.edu