
Difficulty hearing? Or did you this time insert the cotton swab a little too deeply? Earwax buildup can clog the ear canal, which is at best uncomfortable and at worst a sign of hearing loss.
However, cerumen, also referred to as earwax, is not only ordinary but also necessary. Although many believe that earwax needs to be cleaned because it is dirty, it has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. It also shields ears from objects like dust, hair, and tiny insects that could damage the eardrum.
Your ear wax production may be impacted by a history of ear trauma or surgery, frequent ear infections, the use of hearing aids, or wearing deep ear plugs.
What is earwax buildup?
The glands in the ear canal produce earwax. Even though it’s still unclear why we have earwax, it traps dust and other small particles, preventing them from getting to the eardrum and potentially harming or infecting it. Usually, the wax dries up and exits the ear canal along with any debris or dust that becomes lodged.
Everyone produces ear wax, but like hair color or height, the amount and type are genetically determined. The wax our ears naturally have may find it challenging to exit the canal due to smaller or oddly shaped ear canals. The result could be wax impactions. This is earwax accumulation. An earwax blockage can be treated in several ways at home, including:
- A syringe with rubber balls
Utilizing a rubber ball syringe and warm water is a similar technique. The affected ear should be pointed upward while warm water slowly drips into the ear canal using the needle. It’s important to avoid forcing water into the ear canal because doing so can make you feel queasy. The temperature of the water must be just right.
This procedure may need to be repeated several times. This approach should not be used by anyone with an ear injury, such as an eardrum rupture. Those who frequently experience swimmer’s ear shouldn’t employ this technique.
- Ear drops
To treat an earwax blockage, ear drops are available over-the-counter (OTC) and online. These typically soften earwax and are made of water or oil. The hydrogen peroxide-like carbamide peroxide that they frequently contain.
People should follow the directions on the packaging when using an OTC remedy. Once the ear canal is clear, they typically need to apply 5 to 10 drops of the solution twice daily for a few days.
- Hydrogen peroxide
Applying a damp cotton ball to the affected ear and a few drops of hydrogen peroxide are two common ways to remove earwax. Antiseptic hydrogen peroxide is widely used. The solution can also be dripped into the ear canal using a clean eyedropper.
The affected ear must be pointed upward for several minutes as the head must be tilted. This will allow the liquid to seep into the ear canal and reach the obstruction. When the ear canal is clear, tilting the head the other way will allow the fluid and earwax to drain.