…certain habits like using cotton swabs, better known as cotton buds, can actually push earwax deeper into the ear canal, causing buildup and physical obstruction of the canal…
By Dr. SYLVESTER IKHISEMOJIE
Earwax, also known as cerumen, can be a problem when it builds up and causes a range of issues both psychologically and physically. Earwax is a natural and essential part of the ear’s health. While excessive earwax can sometimes cause problems, a normal amount of it is beneficial and helps to maintain ear health by assisting the ear to keep itself clean, much like the vagina cleans itself in women.
Typically, therefore, it often does not need any treatment or removal when it appears to be accumulating inside the ear, except when it causes problems that can be directly linked to it. No treatment of even its accumulation is necessary unless it becomes impacted or is responsible for certain problems.
There are some reasons why earwax might need to be treated. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional if you are experiencing persistent earwax buildup or discomfort. They can assess you properly in a conducive setting and provide the guidance you need on the best course of treatment.
However, while it is often easy to say things like these in the media, it is clear that many people are perhaps still not getting the message. It is evident everywhere how easily people fiddle with their ears by sticking various materials into them.
That might happen in a bid to tackle some itching within the ear, remove some wax, or perhaps even out of habit. People would use anything: rolled pieces of paper, cotton buds, car keys, house keys, the plastic cover of a biro, a bird’s feather, or even a broomstick.
These are sometimes even more dangerous materials than the wax they are employed to remove. In addition, these are objects that can cause injury within the ear, leading sometimes to perforation of the eardrum, tearing of the wall of the eustachian tube, and the introduction of infection, with the result that the original problem is made much worse.
That is not to say that the buildup of wax within the ears is not a problem. Sometimes, it is a significant problem which needs proper identification and treatment. Excessive earwax can block sound waves, leading to temporary hearing loss or muffled hearing. Secondly, impacted earwax can cause discomfort, itching, or a strange feeling of fullness in the ear.
Furthermore, severe earwax buildup can cause ear pain or discomfort. In addition to these issues, some people may experience ringing or other sounds in the ear (tinnitus) due to such a level of wax buildup. Lastly, impacted earwax can increase the risk of ear infections, such as otitis externa.
In the final analysis, it is not all kinds of earwax accumulation that are normal. Some people naturally produce more earwax than others, just as it happens in any other sphere of human existence. However, as we highlighted earlier, certain habits like using cotton swabs, better known as cotton buds, can actually push earwax deeper into the ear canal, causing buildup and physical obstruction of the canal, especially when the wax becomes hard.
Secondly, some people’s ear canals may be narrower or more prone to wax buildup than others, making it easier for accumulated wax to obstruct the ear canal. Earwax buildup is more common in older adults, which runs against the usual course of events concerning our bodies as we age.
However, despite the concerns raised above about the dangers inherent in using various materials to attempt to get rid of perceived or real excess wax, there are various home remedies that are useful for the management of the condition before the attention of a healthcare professional is obtained.
Some people try home remedies to help manage earwax, but it is essential to exercise caution, especially if you are not sure what to do. It is crucial to prioritise ear health and safety when trying these home remedies. Below are a few of the common home remedies.
There are a number of over-the-counter ear drops which are useful medications that can be employed domestically to help soften wax. Compounds like hydrogen peroxide or products like Cerumol ear drops are known as wax dissolvers, which help to make wax softer.
Other people opt for the use of olive oil to help lubricate dry, impacted wax and make it softer.
Lastly, the use of warm water, instilled with care into the ear canal, can also help to soften the wax and loosen it. In any of these three situations, the wax can become soft enough to roll out onto the pillow as a small ball while asleep at night.