Ear Wax
Removal
Visit our Hearing and Ear Health Discussion
Forum
Ear Wax
Removal Tips
As explained elsewhere on this website, a
certain amount of ear wax is good. It helps keep the ear
healthy by trapping much of the dirt, dust and unwelcome
visitors (like tiny insects) that might damage the ear or
lead to an ear infection and ear ache.
When ear wax builds up too much, though, it can
cause a problem by blocking sound waves or even becoming
hardened and painfully impacted. When this happens, ear
wax removal is a good idea.
In general, ear wax removal shouldn't be done
by poking objects into your ear. Pushing a
swab or anything else far into the ear canal can cause
more problems than it solves. It can actually jam wax
against the ear drum and make ear wax removal even
harder. It also cause a skin abrasion that leads to
an ear infection. However, gentle, careful use of a swab
in the outer part of the ear, and around the opening of
the ear, can help keep those parts clean.
Now Available
Murine Ear Wax Removal System 1
Each 
Ear wax removal using
irrigation
Most doctors favor irrigation for ear wax
removal. Irrigation is the process of introducing
solutions into the ear which soften the wax and make it
easier to drain or remove.
There are some commercial products available
that you can use for this purpose at home, or you could
stir up some vinegar, water, and a little peroxide
yourself. Warm the solution to body temperature and put a
drop or two into the ear. Wait a few minutes, then drain
the liquid by tilting your head. Baby oil also works well
for this technique.
Be careful when using irrigation though for two
reasons.
Any liquid you introduce into the ear canal can
get trapped there if it's not properly drained. Moisture
in the ear canal can lead to an infection.
Using a solution that's too strong in peroxide
can irritate the ear and even remove the very secretions
that nature intended to protect the ear canal in the
first place.
When you shouldn't remove ear
wax at home
Be extremely careful trying to do ear wax
removal at home if you have a history of middle ear
infections, swimmer's ear, or a hole in the ear drum. And
definitely advise your doctor about these conditions
before you let him or her try to irrigate your
ears.
The doctor can then make a judgment about the
best method to use for ear wax removal. Generally
speaking, anyone with existing ear problems or a history
of ear disease should see an ear, nose and throat
specialist to remove wax from their ears.
If there's a lot of wax in the ear, your doctor
may use suction or a curette to break it up and scoop it
out. This can be extremely effective but can also be
extremely uncomfortable. Never let someone who
isn't a trained medical professional use a curette or any
other object to remove wax from your ears.
Need more information about the ears?
Use the convenient box below to search for related
websites
 Learn More About Your Ears and
Hearing
This electronic book covers many of the
topics included on this website and also features
additional information and resources.
Just $3.97 (half-price) when you order from
this site
Click here for more
information
To see dozens of additional medical
products and books related to health, click on
|