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1.
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Why Do I Have Earwax?
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Cerumen, better known as earwax, is normal in healthy ears. The purpose of cerumen is to moisturize and protect the skin of the ear canal, and to trap dust and particles before they reach the eardrum. Please note that cerumen is formed in the outer part of the ear canal. Normally, wax migrates to the outer opening of the ear canal, flakes up, and falls out.
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2.
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What's Wrong With Q-tips?
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The problems with Q-Tips is that they pack the cerumen from the outer ear canal deep into the ear canal until it jams against the ear drum, much like a cannon being packed with black powder and a tamping rod. Cerumen lodged against the eardrum is much more difficult and painful to get out and typically causes temporary hearing loss.
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3.
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How Do I Get The Wax Out?
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1. In most cases, swabbing the opening of the ear canal with the corner of a twisted damp washcloth will remove excessive cerumen. Avoid too much moisture or going too deep since prolonged moisture in the ear canal can lead to an infection. {See note below}
2. Removing a large collection of cerumen can be difficult, especially if it is very hard and stuck to the ear canal wall. In those cases, the "ear wax removal systems" available at drug stores may help. Be aware that the drops in those kits are strong and can irritate the delicate skin of the ear canal and ear drum especially in children. Mineral oil ("sweet oil") or glycerin is a safer choice for softening hard cerumen.
3. Probing with bobby pins, match sticks, Q-Tips, etc. is strongly discouraged.
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4.
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How Can I Prevent Wax Build-up Once It's Cleaned Out?
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Regular use of mineral oil is a good way to prevent accumulation of cerumen:
a. Get a medicine dropper
b. Lie down on a sofa with TV on favorite program
c. Put 3-4 drops of oil in the ear
d. Tug on the ear to help the oil go down.
e. Allow soaking until the next commercial
f. Roll to the other side with a Kleenex under ear to catch the excess oil
g. Repeat the process for the other ear
h. Loosely place cotton in each ear for 30 min. to catch residual oil
Use the drops one or two days each month for normal amounts of wax; you may need the drops once a week if heavy wax build-up has been a problem in the past. If wax does accumulate, it will be soft and easily removed.
NOTE: If you ever feel that water is trapped in the ear, pour in several drops of rubbing alcohol to flush the water out. This will usually relieve itching also.
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