What is earwax and why do we need it. How does earwax blockage occur. What are the symptoms of earwax buildup. How is excessive earwax diagnosed and treated. Can earwax removal be done safely at home. When should you see a doctor for earwax problems. What are the potential complications of untreated earwax blockage.

Understanding Earwax: Function and Composition

Earwax, scientifically known as cerumen, is a natural substance produced in the ear canal. It serves several important functions in maintaining ear health and hygiene. Contrary to common belief, earwax is not a waste product but a vital component of our auditory system.

The composition of earwax includes:

• Secretions from glands in the ear canal
• Shed skin cells
• Shed hairs
• Normal bacteria present on the skin surface

This unique composition allows earwax to perform multiple roles:

• Moisturizing the ear canal skin to prevent dryness and itching
• Protecting the ear canal from infections
• Trapping dust and foreign particles
• Exhibiting antibacterial properties
• Repelling water to prevent damage to the ear canal and eardrum

Is earwax necessary for ear health? Absolutely. A moderate amount of earwax is beneficial and plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall health of our ears. It acts as a natural cleanser and protective barrier against external elements that could potentially harm our delicate ear structures.

The Natural Earwax Removal Process

For most individuals, the ears are self-cleaning organs. Earwax naturally migrates from the deeper parts of the ear canal towards the opening through various mechanisms:

• Normal skin migration patterns
• Movement of the jaw joint

These processes help push earwax outward, where it eventually falls out or is washed away during regular hygiene routines. This self-cleaning mechanism is efficient for the majority of people, eliminating the need for additional cleaning efforts.

How often does earwax naturally clear out? The rate of earwax production and removal varies among individuals. On average, the ear canal refreshes its earwax every 6-8 weeks. However, factors such as age, environment, and personal physiology can influence this process.

Causes and Risk Factors for Earwax Blockage

While earwax is generally beneficial, some individuals may experience excessive production or impaction. Several factors can contribute to earwax blockage:

1. Overproduction of earwax
2. Narrow or unusually shaped ear canals
3. Excessive use of earbuds or hearing aids
4. Frequent insertion of objects into the ear (e.g., cotton swabs)
5. Age-related changes in earwax consistency
6. Certain medical conditions affecting ear health

Can stress cause increased earwax production? Some studies suggest that stress and anxiety may lead to increased cerumen production in some individuals. However, more research is needed to establish a definitive link between stress levels and earwax production.

Symptoms of Earwax Buildup

Recognizing the signs of earwax blockage is crucial for timely intervention. Common symptoms include:

• Earache or a feeling of fullness in the ear
• Partial hearing loss or muffled hearing
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Itching or discomfort in the ear canal
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Persistent cough (in rare cases)

How quickly can earwax buildup occur? The rate of earwax accumulation varies among individuals. Some people may experience rapid buildup over a few weeks, while others may take months or even years to develop a significant blockage. Regular check-ups can help monitor and prevent excessive accumulation.

Professional Diagnosis and Treatment Options

If you suspect earwax blockage, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. The diagnostic process typically involves:

1. A thorough medical history review
2. Physical examination of the ear using an otoscope
3. Possibly, a hearing test to assess any impact on auditory function

Treatment options for earwax blockage may include:

• Irrigation: Flushing the ear canal with warm water
• Cerumenolytic drops: Medication to soften and dissolve earwax
• Manual removal: Using specialized instruments like a curette
• Suction: Gentle vacuum extraction of earwax

How long does professional earwax removal take? The duration of the procedure can vary depending on the extent of the blockage and the method used. Generally, professional earwax removal takes about 15-30 minutes per ear. In some cases, multiple sessions may be necessary for complete clearance.

Safe Home Remedies for Earwax Removal

While professional treatment is often the safest option, some home remedies can be effective for minor earwax issues:

• Softening drops: Over-the-counter ear drops to soften earwax
• Warm water irrigation: Gently flushing the ear with lukewarm water
• Hydrogen peroxide solution: Under medical guidance only
• Olive oil or mineral oil: A few drops to soften earwax

It’s crucial to note that these methods should be used with caution and only after consulting a healthcare provider, especially for individuals with a history of ear problems.

Are there any natural ingredients effective for earwax removal? Some people find success using natural oils like coconut oil or almond oil to soften earwax. However, it’s important to use these remedies sparingly and discontinue if any irritation occurs. Always consult a healthcare professional before trying new ear cleaning methods.

Preventive Measures and Ear Hygiene Tips

Maintaining proper ear hygiene can help prevent earwax buildup and associated problems. Here are some tips:

• Avoid inserting objects into the ear canal, including cotton swabs
• Clean only the outer part of the ear with a soft cloth
• Use earplugs or swim caps when swimming to prevent water entry
• Avoid excessive use of earbuds or in-ear headphones
• Consider regular check-ups with an ENT specialist if prone to earwax issues

How often should ears be professionally cleaned? For most people, professional ear cleaning is not routinely necessary. However, individuals prone to excessive earwax production or those with a history of blockages may benefit from annual or bi-annual professional cleaning, as recommended by their healthcare provider.

Potential Complications of Untreated Earwax Blockage

While earwax blockage is often a minor issue, leaving it untreated can lead to more serious complications:

1. Chronic ear infections
2. Permanent hearing loss
3. Eardrum perforation
4. Vertigo and balance issues
5. Social and professional difficulties due to hearing impairment

Can earwax blockage cause permanent damage? In most cases, earwax blockage is a reversible condition when treated promptly. However, prolonged and severe blockages can potentially lead to permanent hearing loss or damage to the ear structures. This underscores the importance of addressing earwax issues in a timely manner.

Special Considerations for Different Age Groups

Earwax management can vary depending on age:

• Infants and young children: Require gentler approaches and professional care
• Adults: Can often manage minor earwax issues at home, but should seek professional help for persistent problems
• Elderly: May need more frequent check-ups due to age-related changes in earwax consistency

How does earwax production change with age? As we age, earwax tends to become drier and harder, making it more likely to cause blockages. Additionally, the natural migration of earwax out of the ear canal may slow down in older adults, increasing the risk of accumulation.

The Role of Technology in Earwax Management

Advancements in medical technology have improved earwax management:

• Endoscopic ear cleaning: Allows for more precise removal
• Video otoscopes: Enable patients to view their ear canal on a screen
• Microsuction techniques: Provide gentle and effective removal

These technologies not only make the process more efficient but also enhance patient education and involvement in their ear health.

Myths and Misconceptions About Earwax

Several myths persist about earwax and ear cleaning:

1. Myth: Ears need to be cleaned with cotton swabs regularly
2. Fact: Cotton swabs can push earwax deeper and damage the ear canal
3. Myth: Earwax is a sign of poor hygiene
4. Fact: Earwax is a natural and beneficial substance
5. Myth: Ear candling is an effective way to remove earwax
6. Fact: Ear candling is ineffective and potentially dangerous

Why do these myths persist? Many misconceptions about earwax stem from cultural practices, marketing of ear cleaning products, and a general lack of public education about ear health. Addressing these myths is crucial for promoting proper ear care practices.

The Impact of Lifestyle on Earwax Production

Various lifestyle factors can influence earwax production and accumulation:

• Diet: Some studies suggest that certain foods may affect earwax consistency
• Environmental factors: Exposure to dust or pollutants can increase earwax production
• Occupation: Jobs involving exposure to particles or loud noises may impact ear health
• Personal habits: Frequent use of earbuds or hearing aids can affect earwax buildup

Understanding these factors can help individuals make informed choices about their ear health and hygiene practices.

Earwax and Hearing Aid Users

Hearing aid users face unique challenges with earwax management:

1. Increased risk of earwax impaction due to the presence of the device
2. Potential for hearing aid malfunction due to earwax buildup
3. Need for more frequent professional ear cleanings
4. Importance of proper hearing aid cleaning and maintenance

How often should hearing aid users have their ears checked? Most audiologists recommend that hearing aid users have their ears checked every 3-6 months to prevent earwax-related issues and ensure optimal device performance.

The Future of Earwax Management

Ongoing research and development in ear health may lead to new approaches in earwax management:

• Development of more effective and safer cerumenolytic agents
• Advancements in at-home ear cleaning devices
• Improved diagnostic tools for early detection of earwax issues
• Potential for personalized earwax management based on individual physiology

These advancements promise to make earwax management more efficient and accessible in the future.

In conclusion, understanding the nature of earwax, its functions, and proper management is crucial for maintaining optimal ear health. While earwax is generally beneficial, excessive accumulation can lead to various issues. By following proper ear hygiene practices and seeking professional help when necessary, individuals can ensure their ears remain healthy and functional. As research continues to advance our understanding of ear health, we can look forward to even more effective and personalized approaches to earwax management in the future.

The scoop on earwax – Mayo Clinic News Network

• By

  Joel Streed

  June 28, 2022

Wax has many uses, ranging from crayons and adhesives to polishes and candles. It also helps to protect and lubricate your ears.

Cerumen, commonly called earwax, is found in the ear canal. It’s made up of several components.

The ear canal is lined with small hairs and glands. Earwax is made up of secretions from these glands, skin cells that have sloughed off, hairs that have shed and usual bacteria that lives on the skin’s surface.

Earwax has many jobs. It moisturizes the fragile ear canal skin, and prevents dry and itchy ears. It also protects the ear canal skin from infection, and traps dust and other foreign particles. It has antibacterial properties to protect your ears from unhealthy bacteria. Finally, its water-repelling features prevent water damage to the ear canal and eardrum.

How to clean your ears

The ears are self-cleaning for most people. Earwax migrates from deeper in the ear canal to the ear canal opening via different mechanisms, including normal skin migration pattern and movement of the jaw joint. These mechanism help push earwax outward toward the ear canal opening. Once it arrives, it falls out or is washed away.

You don’t need to take extra steps to keep your ears clean. Just wash your hair regularly and gently dry your ear canal opening with a towel.

Clinical removal of earwax

Some people produce an excessive amount of earwax. This can be due to various causes. Other people have issues with wax blockage because they put items into their ears, thus embedding the wax deeper into the ear canal.

Talk with your health care team if you have concerns about your earwax or concerns that you may have a wax blockage. They can remove excess wax in the clinic using a small instrument called a curette, or suction or other specialized methods.

Hydrogen peroxide drops

Your health care team may recommend that you use hydrogen peroxide drops in your ears. Hydrogen peroxide is a cerumenolytic. This means that it softens, loosens, dissolves and breaks down earwax.

This treatment should only be completed under the guidance or at the direction of a health care professional who will direct you on proper use, including the number of drops and length of time. It is likely your health care team will want you to return to the clinic after completing the treatment course to make sure that any remaining earwax is cleared and perform an ear exam.

Hydrogen peroxide drops should not be attempted in people who have a history of recurrent ear infections, holes in eardrums or prior ear surgeries. It can cause harm and pain in these cases.

Keep items out of the ears

Never attempt to dig out excess or hard earwax using a paper clip, Q-tip or another small object. These instruments can push the earwax deeper into the ear canal, which can cause an earwax impaction.

Q-tips and other small objects can traumatize the fragile ear canal skin and lead to infection and bleeding. They also can disrupt the tiny hairs that protect your ear canal skin. Finally, Q-tips contribute to single-use plastic waste, which is yet another great reason to avoid them.

Fareeda Hussain, M.D., is an otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeon in Albert Lea and Austin, Minnesota.

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Got an ear full? Here’s some advice.

The genesis and treatment of a common ear condition

Some earwax is good for your ears, so often the best policy is to leave it alone. And a few drops of water may be all you need to get rid of a blockage.

Earwax, a bodily emanation that many of us would rather do without, is actually pretty useful stuff — in small amounts. It’s a natural cleanser as it moves from inside the ear canal outward, gathering dead skin cells, hair, and dirt along the way. Tests have shown that it has antibacterial and antifungal properties. If your ears don’t have enough earwax, they’re likely to feel itchy and uncomfortable.

The side effects of excessive earwax

But for many people, earwax is manifestly too much of a good thing. An ear canal plugged up with earwax can cause earaches, infections, and other problems. If it gets lodged in a certain way, earwax can cause a cough by stimulating the branch of the vagus nerve that supplies the outer ear. And, not surprisingly, an excess of earwax can result in some loss of hearing.

Guidelines from the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery stress a let-it-be attitude toward earwax and warn against removal unless the earwax is causing a problem. Of course, sometimes it’s difficult to tell if the wax is the source of a problem without removing it and seeing whether the problem goes away.

The development of earwax

The medical term for earwax is cerumen (pronounced seh-ROO-men), which comes from cera, Latin for wax. It starts as a mixture of fatty secretions from the sebaceous glands and sweat glands in the walls of the outer ear canal (see illustration). Jaw movement from chewing or talking helps propel those secretions through the canal to the ear opening, where they dry up and harmlessly flake off.

Earwax that picks up a lot of debris or sits in the ear canal for a long time can get hard and dry, so it’s more likely to cause a blockage. Conditions that produce a lot of dry, flaking skin, like eczema, can also result in hard earwax. And with age, the glandular secretions change consistency, so they don’t travel as easily through the ear canal.

Some people are simply born producing dry earwax that may be more likely to clump. For example, dry earwax is more common in East Asians.

Earwax removal tips

You can get medical help to remove a blockage; earwax removal is the most common otolaryngologic procedure performed in American primary care settings.

Or, you can take a do-it-yourself approach. The thing that many people do — but shouldn’t — is try to remove the wax with a cotton swab, which tends to push the earwax back into the ear. Instead, soak a cotton ball and drip a few drops of plain water, a simple saline solution, or hydrogen peroxide into the ear with your head tilted so the opening of the ear is pointing up. Keep it in that position for a minute to allow gravity to pull the fluid down through the wax. Then tilt the head the other way and let the fluid and wax drain out. You can also use a bulb syringe to swish out the ear.

Earwax forms in the outer third or some of the ear canal, not near the eardrum. So, when there’s a buildup right up against the eardrum, it’s often the result of failed removal attempts.

You can buy over-the-counter eardrops that break up earwax. The water-based ones contain ingredients such as acetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, or sodium bicarbonate. Oil-based products lubricate and soften the earwax. Studies haven’t shown one type to be better than the other. Sometimes the eardrops will work on their own. Other times, a few squirts of water with a bulb syringe are needed. No one with a damaged eardrum should use a bulb syringe. If water gets into the middle ear, a serious infection is possible.

A clinician tackles an earwax blockage in pretty much the same way as a do-it-yourselfer, but with more expertise — and with a better view. Clinicians also have far better tools for mechanically removing earwax: slender, spoon-like curettes that can fit into the narrow space of the ear canal.

Listen up, hearing-aid wearers

Hearing aids, which block the normal migration of earwax out of the ear, may also stimulate glands in the ear canal to produce more secretions. By some counts, between 60% and 70% of the hearing aids sent in for repair are damaged by earwax. It gets into vents and receivers, and the acidity degrades components. Ask your primary care clinician to look for earwax build-up if you wear a hearing aid.

Image: didesign021/Getty Images

Earwax – problems and solutions. User Support

Earwax is essential for the human body. The composition of earwax includes the secrets of the glands of the skin of the external auditory canal: sulfuric and sebaceous, desquamated cells of the upper layer of the skin, sweat, as well as fats, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, cholesterol, antibacterial substances (lysozyme, immunoglobulins).

Earwax may appear as a thick, dark brown mass or be light, dry, and flaky. On average, a healthy adult produces up to 20 mg of earwax every month. The consistency and amount of earwax depends on the physiological characteristics of the organism. If there is not enough earwax in the ear canal, a feeling of dryness and itching may occur.

Earwax in sufficient quantity performs several important functions:

• Prevents the penetration of dust, bacteria and other microorganisms into the deep parts of the ear canal
• Traps dust particles
• Slows down the growth of fungi and bacteria
• Brings out the dead cells of the upper layer of the skin of the ear canal
• Protects the skin of the ear canal from water irritation
• Prevents dehydration of the skin of the external auditory canal and the associated feeling of itching
• Maintains normal acid-base balance

The ear canal must have a sufficient amount of earwax; its excesses normally move outward and are removed due to the physiological process of migration of the epithelial cells of the upper layer of the skin of the ear canal towards the auricle and movements of the ear canal during chewing and talking.
Thus, the ear canal is self-cleaning from excess earwax.

Normally, no auxiliary actions to remove wax, the so-called cleaning of the ear canals, are required.

Wax plug and how to get rid of it

Some people, as a feature of individual physiology, have excessive formation of earwax. In combination with the anatomical features of the external auditory canal (narrow and tortuous), this can lead to the formation of cerumen. The reason for the occurrence of wax plug can also be a vicious habit of “cleaning” the ears with cotton swabs, which does not lead to the removal of sulfur, but to its pushing deep into the ear canal.

Features contributing to wax plugs also include:

• Significant external ear canal hair
• Childhood and old age
• Working in a dusty environment

Wax plug is a complete blockage of the lumen of the external auditory canal with sulfur, which leads to a significant hearing loss and may be accompanied by inflammation and pain.
Sulfur plug occurs when water enters the external auditory canal, for example, after bathing. At the same time, the wax in the ear swells and blocks the lumen of the external auditory canal.

When in the ear canal for a long time, the wax plug can cause inflammation of the skin of the ear canal, accompanied by pain.

Sulfur plug: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Otolaryngologist for adults and children

Synebogov

Stanislav Vladimirovich

Experience 27 years

Otorhinolaryngologist of the highest category, candidate of medical sciences, member of the European Rhinologic Society (European Rhinologic Society)

Make an appointment

Wax plug is a buildup of earwax in the ear canal. Over time, this formation becomes dense and completely covers the external ear canal. The patient notices a blockage after a significant decrease in hearing acuity without an objective cause in the form of injuries, infections, or neoplasms in adjacent tissues.

Typical signs of sulfuric plug are tinnitus, feeling of congestion, dizziness, cough, nausea, pain syndrome of variable intensity. The way to eliminate obturation depends on the consistency of the cork mass. Common options are lavage of the external auditory canal or dry removal of the cork with tools. Otolaryngologists do not advise patients to make independent attempts to remove cerumen from the ear by washing the canal with hydrogen peroxide or using cotton swabs, discs and sticks.

General information about the pathology

The composition of the sulfur plug in the ear is formed from the secretion of the skin glands of the external auditory canal. The basis of sulfur is sebum and secretions of the corresponding glandular tissues. Over time, particles of keratinized epithelium and secretion products of apocrine sweat glands are added to them. The color of the substance may vary depending on the dominant element, the age of the patient, the characteristics of metabolic processes in the body, the intensity of physical activity, the presence of chronic or systemic pathologies.

The main function of the secretion of the glands located in the external auditory canal is to protect tissues from damage, excessive drying or softening when water enters. The acidic environment of sulfur secretions provides an antiseptic effect upon contact with bacteria and fungi, which prevents the development of otitis externa. In the process of chewing, speaking and during bouts of yawning, sulfur moves to the external opening of the auditory canal, providing mechanical cleaning of the canal from dirt, dust particles, and small foreign bodies. The formation of cerumen plug in adults and children disrupts the functioning of the protective mechanisms of the ear.

Types of cork formations

The otolaryngologist, during the examination of the patient, diagnoses the type of sulfuric plug formed. The consistency of the secretion of the glands makes it possible to distinguish the following types of formations in the ear canal:

• pasty, light or dark yellow, plastic;
• plasticine-like – they are distinguished by viscosity, saturated brown color;
• hard – dark colored, hard textured, moisture free.

Removal of earwax plugs should be performed at the initial stage of their development. A soft formation becomes dense over time, in advanced cases – stony. Audiologists and otolaryngologists consider epidermal layers, which are formed from desquamated cells of the stratum corneum of the epidermis, to be a special type of plugs. This type of formations is characterized by high density, white or gray color. A characteristic feature is a tight junction with the walls of the auditory canal, which can lead to the development of bedsores of the bone section.

The location of plugs makes it possible to distinguish parietal and obturating forms. In the first case, the accumulation of glandular secretion fills part of the external auditory canal, in the second case, it completely covers it.

Why sulfur plug appears

Long-term clinical observations of patients have allowed otolaryngologists to accumulate significant knowledge about the causes of cork obstruction of the ear canal. One of the most common reasons for blockage is the increased secretory activity of the sulfur glands. Excess secret does not have time to be removed from the ear canal. Its intensive accumulation provokes the formation of a cork. Hypersecretion becomes the result of various pathologies – dermatitis, eczema, chronic otitis media. A significant role in stimulating the sulfur glands is played by the level of cholesterol in the blood and non-compliance by patients with the rules of personal hygiene when cleaning their ears.

Difficulty evacuating sulfur from the ear canal is an equally common cause of obturation. Violation of the outflow of sulfuric masses can occur with anatomical narrowness or excessive lengthening of the auditory canal of a child or an adult. Pathological tissue changes due to inflammation, swelling, trauma, or exposure to foreign objects stimulate blockage of the opening of the outer ear.

A similar effect occurs with regular use of in-ear headphones or hearing aids by patients. Elderly people are faced with a violation of the outflow of sulfur due to the active growth of hair in the external auditory canal. At risk are people working in industries with a large amount of dusty suspension in the air (mines, tobacco factories, bakeries). Divers and swimmers experience chronic narrowing of the ear canal due to constant skin contact with moisture.

Incorrect cleaning of the hearing organs remains a significant risk factor for the accumulation of sulfur masses. The production of earwax occurs in the membranous-cartilaginous part of the ear, but the patient’s manipulations during hygiene procedures can lead to its entry into the bone part of the ear canal. The narrow isthmus between these sections will not allow sulfur to return back for successful evacuation by mechanical means.

Symptoms

Sometimes patients suffering from cerumen will have an earache. This leads to a gradual increase in the size and weight of the sulfur formation. But most adults and children do not experience discomfort until the moment of complete blockage of the ear canal. The consistency of the cork does not play a significant role – the set of features will be the same.

Plugs appear suddenly – when water enters the ear. Contact with liquid provokes a rapid increase in the volume of the sulfur lump. Obturation of the lumen of the ear canal develops. The process is accompanied by typical symptoms:

• congestion and tinnitus;
• hearing loss;
• an attack of dizziness or headache;
• sensation of a foreign body in the ear canal;
• local pain syndrome.

A common symptom of blockage is autophony – the echo of one’s own voice in the affected ear of the patient in the process of speaking. The pressure of the cork on the eardrum can provoke an attack of nausea, cough, migraine. Prolonged compression of the membrane can lead to inflammation – myringitis – and otitis media.

Seeing a doctor

The discovery of the first symptoms of blockage of the auditory canal is a good reason for a visit to the clinic. Any stage of cork development requires consultation with an otolaryngologist. During the diagnosis and extraction of sulfuric masses, the patient may need the conclusions of other specialists: an audiologist, a neurologist or a therapist.

Ignoring the symptoms of sulfur plug can lead to multiple damage to the internal structures of the ear, reduced hearing acuity or its complete loss.

Blockage diagnosis

The decision on how to remove the cerumen is made by the otolaryngologist after otoscopy or microscopy. The probe, directed into the patient’s ear, allows you to determine the consistency of the sulfur lump. Examination of the tympanic membrane is performed to exclude from the diagnosis of its damage – perforations or ruptures caused by previous diseases.

The state of the resonating membrane becomes the basis for choosing a method for eliminating obturation. Otoscopy allows the otolaryngologist to conduct a differentiated diagnosis, excluding the presence of foreign bodies, malignant or benign neoplasms and cholesteatoma in the patient’s ear canal.

Sulfur plug removal

Attempts by patients to remove cerumen on their own by dissolving with drops or extracting with tweezers can lead to trauma to the skin of the external auditory canal, damage to the eardrum, the development of infections, the progression of otitis or otomycosis. Any manipulations related to sulfur lumps in the ears should be entrusted to an otolaryngologist.

Soft plugs are removed by flushing. This method is not used in violation of the integrity of the eardrum – the liquid will enter the middle ear cavity, causing an acute inflammatory process. Paste-like and plasticine-like plugs are removed immediately after diagnosis, when the integrity of the resonating membrane is confirmed.

The washing process involves the use of a Janet syringe, into which a sterile saline solution or furacilin solution is drawn. The liquid temperature is 37 degrees Celsius. Heating solutions is mandatory, since low temperatures will irritate the skin of the ear canal and ensure the manifestation of increasing reflex reactions – dizziness, nausea, headache.

Hard plugs are softened before removal with a hydrogen peroxide solution instilled into the patient’s ear by an otolaryngologist. The solution is preheated. The duration of the softening process depends on the type of cork formation. The preparatory stage can last several days – instillations are carried out three times for every full day. A side effect of hydrogen peroxide entering the ear canal is increased hearing loss. The cause of this phenomenon is the swelling of the sulfuric plug under the action of the liquid and the increased obturation of the ear canal.

If there are contraindications to washing the ears, a dry instrumental removal of the sulfuric lump is performed. Manipulation is carried out using otolaryngological instruments: ear hook, forceps and spoon. The cork extraction process is carried out under visual control – using a microscope. Successful removal of the lump by an otolaryngologist ends with the introduction of a turunda soaked in boric acid into the ear passages of the patient. After 2-3 hours, the tampon is removed. A child or an adult can do their usual activities without any restrictions.

Prevention

The basis of prevention is an explanatory conversation between the otolaryngologist and the patient. Incorrect cleaning of the ears remains the main cause of wax plugs in children and adults. The doctor clearly demonstrates the principles of hearing hygiene.

The main mistake of most people is dipping cotton swabs into the ear canal. This leads to the compaction of sulfur accumulations and the formation of plugs. Cleansing procedures should affect only the auricle and the skin around the auditory opening. Other manipulations are fraught not only with the formation of sulfur lumps, but also with damage to the internal tissues of the ear.

It is useful for children and adults to attend preventive examinations every 6 months. The otolaryngologist will diagnose the condition of the ear canals and ensure their professional hygiene. This option is indicated for people suffering from regularly formed sulfur plugs.

An important component of prevention is the timely treatment of viral infections and systemic pathologies of the body, which can lead to complications, including sulfur plugs. With a pronounced hyperproduction of earwax, the patient should consult with a dermatologist, endocrinologist, therapist, gastroenterologist. Finding the causes that provoke increased work of the glands will help doctors develop an effective treatment strategy.

Parents raising young children are advised to clean the ears of babies themselves. A child’s underdeveloped motor skills can lead to injury when using cotton swabs. Special attention should be paid to mothers and fathers to explanatory conversations about the inadmissibility of placing small foreign objects in the child’s ear canals during games with peers.

How to make an appointment with the specialists of JSC “Medicine” (clinic of Academician Roitberg)

You can make an appointment with the specialists of JSC “Medicine” (clinic of academician Roitberg) on ​​the website – an interactive form allows you to choose a doctor by specialization or search for an employee of any department by name and surname.