Ear Wax Removal & Cleaning

The ear is one of the most fragile parts of your body.

Ear wax, also known as cerumen, helps to protect the ear from infections. Once the ear wax dries up, it falls out of the ear canal with dust or other particles attached to it. Ear wax also protects the skin of the ear canal and serves as a water repellent. The lack of ear wax may cause your ears to become itchy or dry, and possibly cause an infection.

Excessive Ear Wax

Excessive ear wax is caused by the narrowing of the ear canal due to disease or infection, aging glands that cause ear wax to become less fluid, and an overproduction of ear wax due to a blockage or trauma in the ear canal. In these circumstances, ear wax needs to be removed from the ear.

Ways to Remove Ear Wax

A doctor can remove ear wax by washing it out through a process called lavage or by removing it with special instruments. A doctor can also prescribe ear drops that help to soften the wax. It is important to consult a doctor before using any over-the-counter ear drop medication to confirm that you do not have a punctured eardrum. Use of ear drops when you have a punctured eardrum could cause an infection in the middle ear.

Use of Cotton Swabs

You should never use cotton swabs or other instruments smaller than your elbow to clean your ears. The ear canal and eardrum are very fragile. Cotton swabs only push the wax deeper into your ear and could lead to problems.

References

• MedicineNet.com: Ear Wax and Ear Care