LIFESTYLE NEWS - Earwax is produced by glands in the ear canal. Its purpose is to trap dust and other small particles and prevent them from reaching, and potentially damaging or infecting, the eardrum.
Normally, the wax dries up and falls out of the ear, along with any trapped dust or debris.
Everyone makes earwax, but the amount and type are different in every individual. Smaller, or oddly shaped ear canals, may make it difficult for the naturally occurring wax to get out of the canal and lead to wax impactions.
Blockage, or impaction, also occurs when the wax gets pushed deep within the ear canal. Earwax blockage affects about 6% of people and is one of the most common ear problems doctors see.
Hearing aid and earplug users are also more prone to earwax blockage.
Symptoms of an earwax impaction include:
- Decreased hearing
- Dizziness
- Ear pain
- Plugged or fullness sensation
- Ringing in the ear
- Itching or drainage from the ear canal
See your doctor if you think you may have any symptoms of an earwax impaction. Other conditions may cause these symptoms and it is important to be sure earwax is the culprit before trying any home remedies.
- You have a severe spinning sensation, loss of balance, or inability to walk
- You have persistent vomiting or high fever
- You experience sudden loss of hearing
Earwax treatment and
self-care at home
Over-the-counter wax softening drops such as Waxsol may be put into the affected ear and then allowed to drain out after about 5min while holding the head to the side, allowing the drops to settle. Sitting up again will let the drops drain out by themselves.
A bulb-type syringe may be used to gently flush the ear with warm water. The water should be at body temperature to help prevent dizziness.
(Source: WebMD)
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