How to Get Rid of Ear Wax Drainage

Ear wax drainage is the result a build-up of cerumen, or wax, in the ear canal. Under normal circumstances, ear wax is produced, dries then falls from the external ear. Symptoms occur when the wax becomes impacted in the ear, blocking the movement of air in and out of the ear canal. Impactions are usually the result of using cotton tip applicators, bobby pins and other small objects to try to clean the ear. Some people experience the problem because of complicated ear canal structure. Symptoms commonly include decreased hearing and ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, fullness, pain and itching. Everyone has different amounts of cerumen, or ear wax, production. Cerumen protects the ear from infection, as well as the tissue inside, but when it becomes a problem from impaction, there are recommended steps you can take to obtain relief of symptoms. Conversely, obstruction of the ear from too much ear wax can contribute to the development of ear infection. Generally speaking, the wax that drains out of your (or your child's) ear, is there for a reason. No need for apology. Your doctor cleans the ear so she can see the eardrum clearly.

Instructions

Ear Wax Drainage and How to Treat It

1. Get a diagnosis first. Speak with your doctor about your symptoms and have an examination. Your doctor will look in your ear with an otoscope to determine if an impaction is present. Once you are given the "okay" (i.e., nothing is structurally wrong with your ear and that serious infection or ear damage is not a likely cause of your symptoms), you should follow your doctor's recommendations.

2. Keep the external ear canal clean and dry. Drainage that comes from ear wax production and that is visible can simply be wiped out with soap and a wash cloth wrapped around the finger and should be performed gently. Again, ear wax drainage is normal for those who produce more than others and can be controlled with daily hygienic measures.

3. Over-the=counter ear drops can soften ear wax. Brand names include Murine ear drops and Debrox. Your doctor might prescribe Cerumenex.

4. Your doctor may wish to irrigate your ear with a small catheter attached to a syringe. Warm water, peroxide, alcohol or other antiseptic might be used. The process can sometimes be difficult and time consuming. Patients might experience dizziness and nausea during an ear irrigation. If your doctor cannot remove the impact, you may be referred to an EENT (eye, ear, nose and throat) specialist. An ear specialist can sometimes remove the wax with a small surgical instrument that looks like a very small spoon (curette) or with a gentle vacuum device.

5. Prevention of ear wax drainage is possible by using mineral oil, two to three drops, instilled in the ear canal once a week. The oil is rinsed with warm water after it's been in the ear canal two to three minutes. Speak with your healthcare provider if you are uncertain regarding treatment options,and again follow his advice.

Tips & Warnings

• Always see a physician rather than engaging in any home treatment if you have been diagnosed with diabetes or have any disease that compromises your immune system, such as HIV.

• Ear candling can damage the ear and is not an effective means of treating ear wax drainage.

Resources

• Otitis externa
• Cerumen impaction