Ear Wax in your Ear
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WHAT IS NORMAL?
The outer ear canal is a tunnel that runs from the ear hole to the eardrum. It is about 3 cm long and is lined with normal skin containing hairs and glands that produce wax. The purpose of the wax is to protect the skin of the ear canal and give it a waterproof coating. |
Wax is therefore quite normal and people should not feel embarrassed about it building up in their ears. Excessive wax is one of the commonest problems seen by doctors, who are aware of the discomfort it can cause.
HOW DOES EXCESSIVE EAR WAX DEVELOP?
The glands can produce too much wax or there can be a problem preventing normal drainage of the wax out of the ear.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF EXCESSIVE EAR WAX?
Most people are not aware that their ear is full of wax until they have a hearing problem or a waxy discharge, but if an infection develops in the skin under the wax the ear might itch and ache.
Hearing can be affected by the ear wax pressing against the eardrum, making it rigid; even a small amount of wax can cause this.
The ear wax can be pressed onto the eardrum by:
o Water when swimming or showering
o Earplugs
o Objects inserted in the ear, such as cotton-tipped applicators
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR EXCESSIVE EAR WAX?
The doctor can remove excess wax by syringing the ear with water, using a suction instrument or cleaning it out with a probe.
Before treatment you might be asked to use a wax-softening drops for a couple of days. Some patients find that the drops cause a burning sensation. If this happens, stop using them immediately and notify your doctor.
HOW CAN EAR WAX PROBLEMS BE PREVENTED?
If you have the tendency to build up ear wax in the ear, you might be advised to use the ear drops regularly to soften the wax so that it can be drained out.
CLEANING THE EAR - EAR WAX REMOVAL
The ear canal has a self-cleaning action that allows natural and unnoticeable removal of the ear wax. So the ear should be left alone: never put anything small in your ear.
If you have an ear wax problem, see your doctor for advice and treatment. Do not try to fix it yourself: you might cause an infection in the ear canal, or damage the eardrum and affect your hearing permanently.
Please seek Medical attention as soon as possible if you are unsure of you or your family's health condition.
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The information provided in this website is for knowledge purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice.
Should you encounter any medical problem that you are unsure of, always consult your doctor or health care provider for assistance and medical advice.