Earwax Blockage
Earwax blockage is a common problem that can occur when the earwax (cerumen) accumulates in the ear canal. Earwax is a yellowish, waxy substance produced by the glands in the skin of the outer ear canal. It protects the ear by trapping dirt and keeping the ear canal clean and free of debris.
What are the functions of earwax?
Earwax has several important functions. It helps to protect the ears from dirt, dust, and other foreign particles. Earwax also has antibacterial properties that help to keep the ears clean and free from infection. In addition, earwax helps to lubricate the ear canal and prevent it from becoming dry or irritated.How is earwax produced?
Earwax is produced by the glands in the skin of the outer ear canal. It is a mixture of dead skin cells, hair, and secretions from the glands in the skin.What are the types of earwax?
There are two types of earwax: wet and dry. Wet earwax is soft and sticky. It is typically dark brown or yellow in colour. Dry earwax is flaky and dry. It is typically pale yellow or white in colour.How do I know if I have an earwax blockage?
The most common symptom of earwax blockage is a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear. Other symptoms may include: • Earache • Itching in the ear • Ringing in the ear (tinnitus) • Hearing loss or decreased hearing in the affected ear • Discharge from the ear • Odor coming from the earWhat are the causes of earwax blockage?
The most common cause of earwax blockage is when people try to clean their ears with objects such as cotton swabs, hairpins, or fingernails. This can push the wax further into the ear canal and cause it to become compacted. Other causes of earwax blockage include ageing, hearing aid use, and using earplugs regularly.When should I see a doctor for earwax removal?
You should see a doctor for earwax removal if you experience any of the following: • Pain in the ear • Discharge from the ear • Bleeding from the ear • Loss of hearing If you have any concerns about your ears or if home treatment is not working, you should see a doctor. A doctor can safely and effectively remove the earwax using irrigation or microsuction.Diagnosis and treatment of earwax blockage
A doctor will examine your ear canal with a lighted instrument called an otoscope. If there is wax in the ear canal, the doctor will remove it using irrigation or microsuction.- Irrigation: This is a process where warm water is used to flush out the earwax. This should only be done by a doctor.
- Microsuction: Microsuction is a gentle and effective method of ear wax removal. It uses a very fine suction device which is connected to the vacuum cleaner. The suction device is then gently inserted into the ear canal and the ear wax is removed.
FAQs
Can earwax removal be done at home?
Earwax removal can be done at home using a washcloth dampened with warm water or over-the-counter ear drops. There are many over-the-counter ear drops that can help soften and dissolve earwax. These can be bought at most pharmacies.
However, you should not try to remove earwax with cotton swabs, hairpins, or fingernails. This can cause the earwax to become compacted and pushed further into the ear canal, which can lead to an earwax blockage.
How can I clean my ears safely and effectively?
The best way to clean your ears is to let them do their own self-cleaning. The ear canal is designed to clean itself. In most cases, you should not try to remove earwax yourself. This can cause the earwax to become compacted and pushed further into the ear canal, which can lead to an earwax blockage.
If you feel you need to clean your ears, you should do so gently with a soft, damp cloth. You can also use a cotton swab to remove any excess wax from the outside of your ear. Do not insert anything into your ear canal, such as cotton swabs, hairpins, or fingernails as this can cause injury or push the wax further into your ear.
How often should I clean my earwax?
There is no need to clean your earwax unless it is causing symptoms. If you do need to clean your earwax, only do so as often as needed. Over-cleaning can actually cause more earwax to be produced.
Is ear candling effective for treating earwax blockage?
There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that ear candling is an effective treatment for earwax blockage. In fact, there is some evidence to suggest that ear candling can actually be harmful. Ear candling should not be used as a way to remove earwax.
How can I prevent earwax blockage?
The best way to prevent earwax blockage is to avoid putting objects into your ear canal. This includes things like cotton swabs, hairpins, and fingernails. If you must clean your ears, do so gently with a soft, damp cloth. You can also use a cotton swab to remove any excess wax from the outside of your ear. Do not insert anything into your ear canal, as this can cause injury or push the wax further into your ear.
Should I remove earwax at home or see a doctor?
If your earwax blockage is mild and does not cause any symptoms, you can try to soften and remove the wax at home using ear drops or other earwax-softening agents. If the blockage is more severe or if you experience any pain, discharge, or bleeding from your ear, you should see a doctor. A doctor can safely and effectively remove the earwax using irrigation or microsuction.
What type of doctor should I see for earwax removal?
A doctor who specializes in ear, nose, and throat disorders (ENT) can safely and effectively remove earwax. You can also see a general practitioner (GP) in your neighbourhood. For more information about earwax removal, visit Clean Earwax Singapore.
What are the risks of earwax removal?
The risks of earwax removal are minimal. However, you should not try to remove earwax with cotton swabs, hairpins, or fingernails. This can cause the earwax to become compacted and pushed further into the ear canal, which can lead to an earwax blockage.
If you feel you need to clean your ears, you should do so gently with a washcloth or cotton ball dampened with warm water. Do not insert anything into your ear canal, such as cotton swabs, hairpins, or fingernails.