Ear wax is healthy, say doctors
JACK Omona consulted a doctor on how to get rid of wax but, surprisingly, Dr. Edward Kitenka of Mulago Hospital told him that having wax in the ear is not a problem. Dr Edward Kitenka of Mulago hospital says wax is a natural mechanism like a conveyor belt and does not need to be got rid off because
By Oyet Okwera
JACK Omona consulted a doctor on how to get rid of wax but, surprisingly, Dr. Edward Kitenka of Mulago Hospital told him that having wax in the ear is not a problem.
Dr Edward Kitenka of Mulago hospital says wax is a natural mechanism like a conveyor belt and does not need to be got rid off because it is good for the ears. He says that wax helps to keep the ear clean and that it is not abnormal to have wax in your ears.
However, he discloses that having no wax in the ear is an abnormality but at the same time it should not be too much because there is a specific quantity that is supposed to perform the work of cleaning our ears.
Kitenka notes that people should not use ear buds or matchsticks to remove wax.
“The ear buds and matchsticks are perilous because instead of getting out wax, they push the wax further inside the ears,†he notes.
“When cotton tipped applicators are used to clean out ear wax, there is a risk of breaking the ear drum (perforation),†Kitenka concludes. According to Dr Brian Kato, an audiologist at Kadic Hospital in Bukoto, ear wax is produced by glands in the ear canal and its function is to moisten, clean and protect the canal. Dr Kato says ear wax is produced in small quantities and emerges naturally from the ear, so people should not think that wax is bad when it emerges.
He says one should only worry when the production of wax surpasses the normal quantity because it may cause a blockage with a feeling of itchiness which may lead to a hearing loss.
“Since the ear canal is a self-cleansing organ, people should not give it any attention. but in case of any anomaly, one should contact an audiologist,†advises Kato. He says people should think of removing wax from their ears when it has blocked the ear. He adds that wax keeps the ear dry and helps to prevent infections.
He says people should not attempt to remove wax by themselves but should consult audiologists, ear surgeons or other ear experts who will help restore the status of the ears.
JACK Omona consulted a doctor on how to get rid of wax but, surprisingly, Dr. Edward Kitenka of Mulago Hospital told him that having wax in the ear is not a problem.
Dr Edward Kitenka of Mulago hospital says wax is a natural mechanism like a conveyor belt and does not need to be got rid off because it is good for the ears. He says that wax helps to keep the ear clean and that it is not abnormal to have wax in your ears.
However, he discloses that having no wax in the ear is an abnormality but at the same time it should not be too much because there is a specific quantity that is supposed to perform the work of cleaning our ears.
Kitenka notes that people should not use ear buds or matchsticks to remove wax.
“The ear buds and matchsticks are perilous because instead of getting out wax, they push the wax further inside the ears,†he notes.
“When cotton tipped applicators are used to clean out ear wax, there is a risk of breaking the ear drum (perforation),†Kitenka concludes. According to Dr Brian Kato, an audiologist at Kadic Hospital in Bukoto, ear wax is produced by glands in the ear canal and its function is to moisten, clean and protect the canal. Dr Kato says ear wax is produced in small quantities and emerges naturally from the ear, so people should not think that wax is bad when it emerges.
He says one should only worry when the production of wax surpasses the normal quantity because it may cause a blockage with a feeling of itchiness which may lead to a hearing loss.
“Since the ear canal is a self-cleansing organ, people should not give it any attention. but in case of any anomaly, one should contact an audiologist,†advises Kato. He says people should think of removing wax from their ears when it has blocked the ear. He adds that wax keeps the ear dry and helps to prevent infections.
He says people should not attempt to remove wax by themselves but should consult audiologists, ear surgeons or other ear experts who will help restore the status of the ears.