Everything you need to know about earwax

Does earwax make you cringe? Are you a die-hard Q-tip ear cleaner because you can’t stand the thought of earwax in your ear?

If so, then pay attention to this article as it will change your way of thinking!

Despite what many people think, earwax is a good thing.

And it’s necessary for the health of your ear canal as it cleans, lubricates and protects the lining of the ear by trapping dirt and repelling water.

Without earwax, the skin inside your ear would become dry, cracked, infected or waterlogged and sore. Usually, the wax doesn’t cause problems. It simply dries up and falls out of the ear, along with any trapped dust or debris.

Everyone makes ear wax but the amount and type are genetically determined. Also, some people have ear canals that are smaller than average or shaped in a way that makes it difficult for the naturally occurring wax to fall out of the canal easily.

And that same Q-tip you use to “clean out” your ears is more likely compacting your earwax making it more susceptible to a blockage.

When earwax gets too hard or builds up and becomes a blockage, it can cause temporary hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), feeling of fullness in the affected ear, itchiness or even dizziness.

If you experience an earwax blockage, there are a variety of drops like Cerumol and Waxsol available from your pharmacy that can be used to soften and loosen the earwax which may help it to work its way out naturally.

Speak to your pharmacist about which eardrops are suitable for you.

Never attempt to dig out excessive or hardened earwax with items, such as a paper clip, a cotton swab or a hairpin.

You may push the wax further into your ear and cause serious damage to the lining of your ear canal or eardrum.

If the drops don’t work, then a visit to your doctor is recommended.

You may think you can deal with earwax on your own, but there’s no way to know if you have excessive earwax without having your doctor look into your ears. Having signs and symptoms, such as earache or decreased hearing doesn’t necessarily mean you have wax build up.

It’s possible you have another medical condition involving your ears that may need attention. And if it is just earwax buildup, then your doctor can remove it safely.

If earwax build up is a recurring problem, your doctor may recommend that you use a wax-removal medication, such as carbamide peroxide (Debrox, Murine Earwax Removal Drops), every four to eight weeks as a preventative measure. Because these drops can irritate the delicate skin of the eardrum and ear canal, use them sparingly and only on the advice of your physician.

The main thing to remember is that your body makes earwax for a reason and at normal levels the best thing you can do is leave it alone and let it do its job.

Stephanie Simons is the head pharmacist at Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire. For helpful information, visit Lindo’s at www.lindos.bm.