Earwax can get clogged and cause discomfort. In fact, earwax blockage can also cause health problems. Therefore, you need to know how to clean earwax properly and safely. Earwax or cerumen is produced by glands on the outside of the ear canal. The production of earwax aims to block dust or other small particles that have the potential to interfere with or infect the eardrum. Earwax also serves as a layer that protects the skin of the ear canal from water. Without earwax, this area can become dry, itchy, and even susceptible to infection.
Causes of Earwax Blockage
It is important to know that the ear has a self-cleaning mechanism, namely through jaw movements such as when chewing. When chewing, earwax will be pushed to the outer part of the ear canal. However, some people have ear canals that are too small, making it difficult for earwax to come out on its own. This can trigger blockage of the ear canal by dirt or cerumen prop. In addition, blockage of the ear canal can also be caused by an improper cleaning process. For example, using cotton buds or hair clips. This can actually push earwax deeper which can cause injury to the ear.
Some other conditions that can trigger blockages due to earwax include:
- Using hearing aids or earplugs or earphones can increase the amount of earwax.
- Having narrow ear canals.
- Having a lot of hair in the ear canal.
- Having inflammation of the ear canal or otitis externa.
- Having certain skin conditions that affect the scalp or the skin around the ears.
Earwax blockage is more likely to occur in the elderly. This is because as we age, earwax becomes drier and harder. Earwax can cause symptoms of pain, a feeling of fullness in the ear, ringing in the ears, dizziness, coughing, itching, and odor. If left untreated, the risk of ear disorders, ear infections, and tinnitus can increase.
How to Clean Earwax
To clean earwax and clear blockages, you can do the following:
- Using ear drops
To soften earwax, you can use ear drops, such as docusate ear drops, which are available over the counter. In addition, dripping baby oil or glycerin into the ear canal can also soften earwax. Use ear drops in a side-lying position and let the medicine sit for about 5 minutes until the earwax softens. However, if you have an ear infection, avoid using these ear drops. - Flushing the ear canal with a syringe
This method uses a round-shaped injection tool to spray water or saline solution into the ear. This process aims to rinse the ear canal so that earwax can come out. This method cannot be done on people who have a hole in the eardrum. You need to know, the use of cotton buds is only allowed to clean the outer ear, not the inner ear canal. Meanwhile, the ear candle method is also not recommended because it can cause injury, such as burns to the ear canal and outer ear, or a perforated eardrum.
Cleaning earwax with certain tools must be done by a doctor. So, consult a doctor if you want to clean your ears and if you experience other complaints in the ear or hearing loss.
