Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a physiological component of the external ear. It consists of the secretion of the sebaceous glands and ceruminal glands in the external auditory canal, which is mixed with shed epithelial cells, dust, hairs and pigments. However, sometimes earwax can build up and cause discomfort or even hearing loss. In this blog post, we'll explore the best practices for earwax removal, common symptoms of earwax blockage, and safe home remedies for cleaning your ears.
Do you have a feeling of pressure in your ear, it itches and pulls, or are you suddenly having trouble hearing, is it ringing, or has it sense of fullness? These can be signs of blocked ears. This is usually no reason to panic - and a special cleaning spray is unnecessary. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to avoid trying to remove the earwax yourself, as this can worsen the blockage. Instead, consult with a healthcare professional who can safely remove the earwax for you.
If you experience symptoms like earache, hearing loss, or a feeling of fullness in the ear, it might be time to consider earwax removal.
A doctor uses specialised tools to safely remove earwax without damaging the ear canal or eardrum.
There are several safe and effective home remedies for earwax removal. A particularly gentle and pleasant home remedy for cleaning blocked ears is a steam bath with chamomile. To do this, pour a tablespoon of chamomile into two liters of hot water. Cover your head with a towel and hold the blocked ear over the steam at least ten minutes. The chamomile causes dry ear wax to dissolve, it cleans the ear canal and protects against bacteria.
Absolutely, warm water can help to soften earwax, making it easier to flush out. But we do not advise putting warm water directly into the ears.
Olive oil can help with blocked ears because it dissolves fats. Olive oil is the best for this.
Cleaning your ears might seem like a simple task, but it's important to do it correctly to avoid damaging your ear canal or eardrum. You should avoid using cotton swabs, as they can push earwax deeper into the ear canal, leading to impaction. Instead, consider using over-the-counter ear cleaning drops that contain hydrogen peroxide or other types of peroxide. These drops can help break up earwax and make it easier to remove.
Various ear drops and sprays as well as ear rinses and showers are available over the counter in pharmacies and online shops. They are designed to clean the ears and prevent too much ear wax from accumulating. It is best to discuss with a doctor whether these are useful, which remedies are suitable and how they can be used safely.
DIY cleaning can be safe if done correctly, but it's best to consult with a healthcare professional if you're unsure.
Earwax protects the ear canal and eardrum and is part of the ears' self-cleaning mechanism, but it's important to know how to manage it safely. Increased production of ear wax or incorrect cleaning (e.g. with cotton swabs) can cause a plug to form that blocks the external ear canal and can lead to a painful feeling of pressure on the eardrum or temporary hearing loss. An ear wax plug should be removed by a specialist, as attempts to clean it yourself usually make the situation worse because the ear wax is pushed further "back".
For detailed guidance on safe earwax removal and to learn about our professional services, visit earLAB. Our specialists are dedicated to helping you keep your ears healthy and your hearing at its best.
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/ear-wax-removal-home-remedy
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/what-is-the-best-way-to-remove-earwax