![]() ![]() If this continues to be a problem, wax-removal medications may be recommended. Once diagnosed, your doctor can remove the wax buildup a few ways: with a small curved instrument called a curet, through suction or by flushing out the wax using a water pick or warm water. In order to diagnose a buildup of earwax, your doctor will need to look in your ear with a special magnifying instrument called an otoscope. This would include severe pain in the ear that does not subside and a fever. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should talk to your doctor, as these may also be signs of a more serious condition. Symptoms of Earwax BlockageĮaraches, a feeling of fullness in the ear, hearing loss and ringing in the ear (tinnitus) are all common signs of earwax blockage. If the earwax is not removed an infection can develop. Earphone and ear plug usage can also cause wax buildup, as the earphones can prevent earwax from naturally coming out of the ear canal. Often, instead of cleaning out the earwax it is just pushed deeper inside the ear. Surprisingly, the most common cause of a blockage is incorrect at-home earwax removal. Causes of Earwax BlockageĪ blockage of earwax is usually caused by an overproduction of earwax or insufficient cleaning. If a buildup does occur, the earwax will become hard and block the ear. Usually, excess wax is removed from the ear canal naturally. It also assists in the cleaning and lubrication of the ear canal. ![]() Earwax protects the ear from bacteria, water and foreign particles. As the ear canal is quite small, magnification of the visual field is important to ensure that the ear canal and eardrums are not injured during the ear cleaning process.Earwax (cerumen) is a yellowish waxy substance produced by healthy ears. If using earwax softeners (available from the Pharmacy) does not help you get rid of wax buildup, an ENT Specialist can remove your earwax in the clinic (look at the 2 videos below). This is done usually under microscope or endoscope guidance with a “mini-vacuum cleaner” (procedure is known medically as Aural Toilet). This may stimulate more production of earwax Constantly exposed to a dirty or dusty environment.The dry skin may extend into the outer part of the ear canal and cause wax buildup. Some people may have dry, scaly skin just outside the ear canal (condition called dermatitis). Some people are born with smaller ear canals and may be more likely to get wax buildups Digging the ear canals also stimulate more wax production Putting a cotton bud (aka Q-tip) into the ear canal will push the earwax deeper and everything gets jam-packed against the eardrum. Common reasons for frequent earwax buildups include: However, in some people, they may have a tendency for wax buildup which may block off the ear canals. Hence, one should not need to dig his or her ears. When you move your jaw (e.g while chewing or talking), you help the earwax migrate away from the eardrum to the ear opening and it drops off on its own. The ear canal has a self-cleansing system in which it acts like a conveyor belt, pushing the wax outwards on its own. It helps protect the ears from dust, bacteria and other microorganism. Earwax is a waxy material made from sebum, dead skin and secretions from the ear canal.
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