Our ear canals secrete cerumen or known as earwax, which, in a small amount it helps keep our ears clean and healthy. It also helps to reduce noise levels. Then, what kind of earwax do you have?
Earwax is produced from the sebaceous glands and sweat glands in the walls of the outer ear canal. It is a mixture of fatty secretions which combine with dead skin and other debris.
If it is not produced or is not removed properly, it can get hard and dry. Dry earwax is a common problem that can lead to ear and hearing problems, such as earache, earwax blockage, ear infection, etc.
It also can be caused by narrow ear canals, wearing earbuds a lot, hairy ear canals, or using cotton swabs to remove them.
Therefore, it is important to know how to safely remove it. There are a few things you should avoid doing, and here we will discuss them in more detail.
Is It Safe to Use Cotton Swabs?
Cotton swabs may seem safe to remove earwax, but they can actually cause more damage and pain than simply leaving it alone.
Using a cotton swab to remove it can push the wax deeper into the ear, which can lead to more inflammation.
Additionally, cotton swabs can also remove other oils and skin cells from the ear, which can lead to further irritation. Furthermore, avoid using your finger, and other tools such as scraping tools, pencils, or anything pointed, to prevent any irritation to your ear canal or eardrum.
Is It Safe Chemicals or Cleaners to Remove Earwax?
Harsh chemicals or cleaners can damage the ear canal and cause further pain and discomfort.
There are alternative ways you can do at home to remove dry earwax by using ear drops, which are usually available in pharmacies, such as a mild antiseptic (hydrogen peroxide, acetic acid, sodium bicarbonate) that is useful for cleaning wounds, oils (baby oil, almond oil, coconut oil, or olive oil), glycerin, and mineral oil.
These ear drops are used to soften the wax and make it easier to remove. Make sure you have already read all the instructions before using them.
Is It Safe to Over-Clean Your Ears?
If you do experience pain or discomfort when removing earwax, it is best to stop and see a doctor. Over-cleaning your ears can cause further damage and can lead to hearing loss.
Moreover, it’s crucial to follow the supervision of a healthcare professional for cleaning or removal of earwax.
If you are experiencing dry earwax, it is important to consult a doctor. He or she can prescribe a treatment plan that will help to remove the wax and prevent any potential ear and hearing problems.
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