Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a natural substance produced within the ear canal. This waxy material serves several important functions, acting as a protective barrier for the sensitive skin of the ear canal. It lubricates the ear, preventing dryness and itching, and also traps dust, dirt, and other small particles, helping to keep them from reaching the eardrum. Earwax also contains antimicrobial properties that help guard against bacterial and fungal infections. While generally beneficial, an excessive accumulation of earwax can sometimes lead to problems.
Why Earwax Accumulates
The ear has a natural self-cleaning mechanism where earwax typically moves slowly from the eardrum towards the outer opening of the ear canal. This process is aided by jaw movements from talking and chewing, which help to dislodge old wax and carry it outwards, where it eventually dries, flakes, and falls out. However, this natural movement can be disrupted, leading to earwax buildup. Some individuals naturally produce more earwax or have earwax that is drier and harder, making it more prone to accumulation.
Certain anatomical factors can also contribute to buildup, such as narrow or unusually shaped ear canals, or an abundance of hair within the ear canal. The frequent use of devices like hearing aids, earplugs, or earbuds can inadvertently push earwax deeper into the canal, preventing its natural expulsion. Paradoxically, attempts to clean the ears incorrectly can also push wax further in, compounding the issue.
Effective Home Prevention Methods
Safely preventing earwax buildup at home often involves softening the wax to encourage its natural exit. Over-the-counter earwax softening drops, also known as cerumenolytics, are a common and effective approach. These drops typically contain ingredients such as carbamide peroxide, hydrogen peroxide, mineral oil, or glycerin. Carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide work by releasing oxygen or bubbling, which helps break down and loosen the wax.
For application, tilt the head sideways and place 5 to 10 drops into the ear, ensuring the applicator tip does not enter the ear canal. Keep the head tilted for several minutes to allow the drops to penetrate, or place a cotton ball in the ear. This process can be repeated twice daily for up to four days.
Alternatively, mineral oil, baby oil, olive oil, or glycerin can also be used as softening agents, applied a few drops at a time once or twice daily for 5-10 minutes.
After using softening drops, gently flushing the ear with warm water using a soft rubber bulb ear syringe can help remove any remaining softened wax. Additionally, routinely wiping the outer ear with a warm, wet washcloth during bathing can help remove superficial wax and support the ear’s natural cleaning process.
Harmful Practices to Avoid
Inserting objects into the ear canal to remove earwax is generally ineffective and can be dangerous. Cotton swabs, despite their common use for ear cleaning, often push wax deeper into the ear canal instead of removing it, leading to impaction. This action can also damage the delicate skin of the ear canal, potentially causing irritation, bleeding, or infections. More severely, cotton swabs can puncture the eardrum, resulting in pain, fluid leakage, and temporary or even permanent hearing loss.
Ear candling, another practice sometimes promoted for earwax removal, is also not recommended. There is no scientific evidence to support its effectiveness, and it poses several risks. These include burns to the face, neck, or ear canal from hot wax or ash, perforation of the eardrum, and even starting a fire.
When to Consult a Doctor
While home prevention methods can be effective, it is important to know when professional medical intervention is necessary. Symptoms that indicate a significant earwax buildup, or cerumen impaction, may include a feeling of fullness in the ear, earache, or a gradual decrease in hearing. Other signs can involve ringing in the ears (tinnitus), itchiness, dizziness, or a cough. If these symptoms persist or worsen, or if you experience discharge, a foul odor, or fever, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider.
Individuals with certain pre-existing ear conditions should always seek medical advice before attempting any home remedies. This includes those with a perforated eardrum, ear tubes, a history of ear surgery, or current ear pain or drainage. Introducing drops or water into an ear with a compromised eardrum can lead to pain or infection. Healthcare professionals possess specialized tools and techniques for safe and effective earwax removal, such as irrigation, microsuction, or using a curet.