Earwax blockage is a common reason why many individuals visit their doctor. Earwax is a helpful and natural part of the body’s defenses, but if it builds up it can cause a problem. Fortunately, there are simple measures that can be taken to remove wax buildup, but you should never attempt to dig out excessive or hardened earwax with items such as a paper clip, a cotton swab or a hairpin.
What is earwax buildup?
Your ear canal produces a waxy oil called cerumen which is more commonly known as earwax. This wax protects the ear from dust, foreign particles and microorganisms. It also protects ear canal skin from irritation due to water. In normal circumstances, excess wax finds its way out of the canal and into the ear opening naturally, and then is washed away.
When your glands make more earwax than necessary, it may get hard and block the ear. When you clean your ears, you can accidentally push the wax deeper, causing a blockage. Wax buildup is a common reason for temporary hear loss.
What are some symptoms of earwax buildup?
Signs and symptoms of earwax blockage may include:
• Earache
• Feeling of fullness in the affected ear
• Ringing or noises in the ear (tinnitus)
• Decreased hearing in the affected ear
• Dizziness
• Cough
Signs and symptoms could indicate another condition. You may think you can deal with earwax on your own, but there’s no way to know if you have excessive earwax without having someone, usually your doctor, look in your ears. Having signs and symptoms, such as earache or decreased hearing, does not necessarily mean you have wax buildup. It is possible you have another medical condition involving your ears that may need attention.
What can you do if you have earwax blockage?
If your eardrum does not contain a tube, or have a hole in it, the following self-care measures may help you remove excess earwax that is blocking your ear canal:
• Soften the wax. Use an eyedropper to apply a few drops of baby oil, mineral oil, glycerin or hydrogen peroxide in your ear canal.
• Use warm water. After a day or two, when the wax is softened, use a rubber-bulb syringe to gently squirt warm water into your ear canal. Tilt your head and pull your outer ear up and back to straighten your ear canal. When finished irrigating, tip your head to the side to let the water drain out.
• Dry your ear canal. When finished, gently dry your outer ear with a towel or hand-held dryer.
You may need to repeat this wax-softening and irrigation procedure a few times before the excess earwax falls out. However, the softening agents may only loosen the outer layer of the wax and cause it to lodge deeper in the ear canal or against the eardrum. If your symptoms do not improve after a few treatments, see your doctor. Ask your doctor for advice on how to properly select and use alternative earwax removal methods.
Wax removal is most safely done by a doctor. Your ear canal and eardrum are delicate and can be damaged easily by excess earwax. Do not try to remove earwax by yourself with any device placed into your ear canal, especially if you have had ear surgery, have a hole (perforation) in your eardrum, or if you are having ear pain or drainage.
Earwax in children
Children, like adults, naturally produce earwax. While it may be tempting to remove the wax, doing so can damage your child’s ears.
If you suspect your child has earwax buildup, or a blockage, it is best to see a pediatrician. Your child’s doctor may also notice excess wax during regular ear exams and remove it as needed. Also, if you notice your children sticking their finger or other objects in their ear, out of irritation, you might want to ask their doctor to check their ears for wax buildup.
Conclusion
Earwax buildup is a common problem for many individuals, particularly the very old and very young. Individuals are strongly advised not to use objects like hairpins to remove earwax buildup. There are simple methods to remove earwax buildup. If these are not successful you should see your doctor.
Ask Your Dr is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge MB BS DGO MRCOG is an obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor with over thirty-five years in clinical practice. Dr Brett Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 497 5928).
