Wax: Tips on how to remove it if you must

Jan 18, 2009

EAR wax is a sticky liquid secreted by the cerumen glands. These glands are located in the skin of the ear canals. <br>They serve a primary role of protecting the ear from foreign particles. Due to the sticky nature, the wax immobilises foreign materials

By Anthony Olwoch

EAR wax is a sticky liquid secreted by the cerumen glands. These glands are located in the skin of the ear canals.
They serve a primary role of protecting the ear from foreign particles. Due to the sticky nature, the wax immobilises foreign materials like dirt and micro-organisms like bacteria.

Dr. Robert Sidhe, of Entebbe Medical Centre, says over accumulation of wax in the ear canal occurs when the rate of production of wax is higher than the rate at which it is removed.

Some people tend to produce more wax than others and have difficulty removing it from the ear canal. The wax can cause trouble for the ears if left to excessively accumulate.

The ear has a mechanism of eliminating excessive wax from the ear canal using hair filaments.

“When wax completely blocks the ear canal, it prevents sound waves from easily reaching the ear drum resulting in loss of hearing. Even a small amount of wax wedged between the ear canal and ear drum affects the conduction of sound,” cautioned Dr. Sidhe.

When hard wax is produced, pain will be inevitable due to pressure being exerted on the sensitive ear canal walls. Ear wax can also provoke tickling in the throat leading to cough since the ear canal shares some nerves which give a tickling sensation to the throat.

Correct and harmless methods should be applied to regularly clean the ear of excess wax. Avoid using sharp objects like the lid of a pen or even fingers.

Ear swabs when used correctly are safe. The outer portion of the ear and the opening of the ear canal can safely be swabbed. However, swabbing deeper into the ear canal is potentially risky for three reasons.

Damage can be inflicted on the ear drum when the swab is inserted too deep.

Incase the skin of the ear canal is scratched, there is a potential risk of contracting a painful infection of the canal, swimmer’s ear, medically known as otitis externa.

When one has a lot of wax, there is a possibility that a partial blockage of the ear canal can become completely blocked since pushing the swab deep into the canal tends to pack it more.

There are safe and effective remedies that can be used at home to remove the excess and hard wax from the ear canal. These include;

Drinking an adequate amount of pure water.

Plenty of essential fatty acids in your diet. This ensures consistency of the body in elimination of the wax.

A drop of glycerine or slightly warm olive oil in the ear canal. This can be done once or twice a week. The process helps to soften any hard wax that most times is painful to remove.

Ear irrigation using a syringe with warm water. This process must be slowly done, with extreme caution and under slight pressure. It will dislodge the softened wax.

A vinegar water-peroxide solution can be used. The solution should be warmed to body temperature and applied to the ear canal. If you experience pain or you have a history of ear disease, immediately seek help from a doctor.

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