There is a tendency to clean the ears after bath with cotton buds; it becomes an obsession and pleasure as it stimulates the vagus nerve. No one should use anything mechanical like cotton bud or clips or car key etc to remove ear wax. This will cause more harm by pushing the wax deeper into the ear canal. There are times when one needs to remove ear wax safely, however, especially when it affects one’s hearing or may lead to an infection. But that should be done by the specialist who knows about dewaxing.
About Ear wax
Earwax, also known by the medical term cerumen, is a yellowish, waxy substance secreted in the ear canal. It plays an important role assisting in cleaning and lubrication, and also provides some protection from bacteria, fungi, and insects. Your ear is naturally equipped with a self-cleaning mechanism and the wax is gradually moved out of the ear from movement of the jaw, such as from chewing.
Wax is produced in the outer third of the cartilaginous portion of the ear canal. It is a mixture of viscous secretions from sebaceous glands and less-viscous ones from modified apocrine sweat glands.
Excess or impacted cerumen can press against the eardrum and/or occlude the external auditory canal and impair hearing, cause itching, vertigo, earaches or tinnitus which is a constant ringing in the ears.
Avoid using Cotton Buds in the ear
Wax removal
To remove ear wax safely, you can use warm oils such as baby oil, mineral oil or olive oil to soften the ear wax. A few drops of warmed, but not hot, oil should be placed carefully in the ear canal as the patient lies on his or her side. The oil should be allowed to remain in the ear canal for a few seconds to literally melt the ear wax.
Another way to remove ear wax safely is to use ear drops specifically formulated to soften excessive wax. These ear drops are usually sold in the pharmacy (OTC). Apply these ear drops according to the directions on the box. In general, a solution is dropped into the ear canal to soften and liquefy excess ear wax. After a few minutes, the solution is allowed to drain out of the ear naturally. After few days go and see the specialist get it flushed or suctioned out.
The best advice I can give is to remove ear wax only when it becomes excessive or compromises hearing other wise just leave it, it\’s good for you.
