About twelve million people in the U.S. seek medical help each year for earwax problems. Much of this could be avoided if people left their ears alone. Earwax is actually a benefit—that's why your intelligent body makes it; it has antibacterial properties. If you stopped making it, you'd get sick.
It is only produced in the outer third of the ear canal and gradually migrates outward. If you poke around with Q-tips so that you push the earwax farther up into the ear canal, you may even force the earwax against the eardrum and cause pain and hearing problems.
According to a report released by the American Academy of Otolaryngology, you should just leave it alone. OK . . . you don't want globs of earwax visible in your ears . . . just swab out the visible part of the ear, but don't insert the Q-tip up the ear canal. Don't use a twisted tissue or napkin as this will almost certainly push the earwax farther up the ear canal.
You don't want to force earwax up into the ear canal. This can cause pain, ringing in the ears, a foul odor, and hearing loss.
How to prevent a buildup of earwax
- Avoid overuse of headphones, or earbuds from iPods.
- Don't push the earwax farther up in your ear during "cleaning"
- Get enough omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. If your ears are dry and itchy, the lack of omega-3s may be the problem.
- If you wear hearing-aids, ask you doctor to look in your ears during your regular check-ups to see if a buildup has occurred.
How to clear a buildup of wax at home
If you think you have a buildup of earwax in the upper two-thirds of the ear canal:
- Sterile plain water, a saline solution, or olive oil is often as effective as over-the-counter remedies. Some people use Coconut oil, Hydrogen peroxide, or Carbamide peroxide.
- Don't use pressure systems like syringes or water-picks designed for cleaning the teeth. A doctor may use a pressure system but leave that technique to people who know how to do it. You can damage your eardrum if you try it yourself.
- If you have an ear-tube, have a doctor clear out the earwax!
Please note: The information in this article is not to be followed as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with your physician or primary health practitioner for information regarding your own personal health and necessary treatments.
