Earwax, or plug, is formed in the area between the auricle and the eardrum. There are glands in the middle part of the outer ear, and these glands undertake the task of secreting ear secretion. It should be noted that this secretion, which prevents dust and dirt reaching the ear from the external environment from reaching the eardrum, is extremely important for ear health.
Because the dust and dirt entering the ear from the outside adheres to the secretion called cerumen and dries up. When the secretion dries up, the earwax is expelled from the outer ear area to the auricle. Although earwax is considered a ‘dirt’ among the people, it is actually one of the body’s defense systems. Because earwax protects the ears against ear infections and at the same time, ear irritation is prevented.
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How Should Earwax Be Cleaned?
Of course, the answer to the question of how to clean earwax is of great importance for each individual. First of all, it should be noted that earwax occurs at a point far from the eardrum. It is a very common choice among the people to clean the ears with cotton ear sticks. However, it is not correct to clean the ears with ear sticks or different objects. Unfortunately, this method causes the earwax to be pushed further. It should be noted that in some patients, this method may even cause the eardrum to rupture.
Individuals should clean the earwax using a clean and soft cloth. Wiping the ear with this cloth is sufficient to clean the earwax. However, in some people, the ear secretion can be much more. These people should apply to an otolaryngologist every 6 months or once a year to ensure that their ears are cleaned. Especially for people who are frequently in dusty environments, regular ear cleaning is much more important. Random methods should never be used for ear cleaning.
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Why Does Earwax Occur?
In general, we can list the causes of earwax formation as follows:
- Being in dusty and dirty environments
- Swelling of ear secretion during swimming or showering
- Structurally narrow external auditory canal
- For various reasons, the plug that cannot be put out of the ear.
- Use of hearing aids, earplugs and ear-muffs
- Ear cleaning that is done by inserting a foreign object into the ear.
- Excessive ear secretion
These factors can also cause earwax to appear more intensely. Due to the excess of secretions that keep the ear moist and protect the ear against bacteria and dryness, earwax can also lead to various complaints such as itching. Itching can also be caused by dryness in the ear canal. It should be noted that there is always some amount of ear secretion in every individual.
It is also possible that the secretion increases depending on various factors, and in this case, the ears should be cleaned much more meticulously by applying the right methods. Because the ear secretion cannot be thrown out, which can lead to some health problems.
The Symptoms of Earwax
Plug, or ear wax, does not cause any complaints in some people. However, in some people, earwax begins to accumulate in the ear canal. This can lead to complaints. In general, we can list the discomforts and symptoms caused by the accumulation of earwax as follows:
- Ear congestion
- Decreased hearing
- Humming or ringing
- Dizziness
- Dry cough
- A feeling of fullness in the ear
- Pain
- Bad smell
- Flux
- Itching
It should be noted that these complaints can be in only one ear or in both ears. In such cases, earwax must be cleaned. If any of the above-listed complaints are seen, you should definitely consult an otolaryngologist and be examined. Because, if the necessary intervention is not made, the complaints may intensify and new problems may be added to the problems experienced by the patients.
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Does Earwax Cause Pain?
If earwax is not expelled towards the outer part of the ear or starts to build up, it can cause pain. The pain may sometimes be accompanied by complaints such as ringing or buzzing in the ear. However, it should not be forgotten that pain in the ear can occur for different reasons. For this reason, even if there is a slight pain, you should make an appointment with an otolaryngologist without wasting time and ensure that the necessary examination is made. Because neglected earaches can cause you to encounter more serious problems in the future.
Foreign sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/earwax-buildup