Earwax Impaction
Earwax or cerumen is a combination of lubricating and antibacterial substances secreted by the glands in the auditory canal, dead skin cells, and hair to protect the ears. When we move our jaw, the old earwax moves from the inside out and finally falls off. It is how the ears clean themselves and get rid of earwax.
However, some people may use cotton swabs or other items to clean their ear canals without realizing that they are pushing the earwax further inward, which can cause ear injury or impaction.
Symptoms
The earwax blockage can cause the following symptoms.
- Ear pain
- Ear fullness
- Itchiness in the ear
- Ringing in the ear
- Problems with hearing
- Ear discharge or odor
- Dizziness.
If left untreated, it can lead to ear irritation and hearing loss. Earwax impaction can worsen hearing loss and cause communication problems and behavioral aggression due to communication difficulties in the elderly.
Causes
Impacted earwax can occur if:
- You try to clean the inside of your ears with a cotton swab or other items.
- You are using hearing aids or earplugs.
- You have excessive ear hair.
- You have a skin condition.
- You have an abnormal ear canal shape.
- You have developmental disabilities.
- You are elderly.
Diagnosis
After history taking, your doctor will use an otoscope to check the external ear, earwax built-up, and eardrum.
Treatment
The treatment for earwax blockage requires its removal by your doctor with special instruments, such as a cerumen spoon, forceps, or suction device.
Afterward, your doctor can recommend how to clean the outside of the ear. At home, you may put a few drops of cerumenolytic solutions such as mineral oil, baby oil, glycerin, and peroxide-based ear drops to soften the earwax, which can fall off naturally.
However, it is strongly advised not to use a home-use suction device or ear candles. The home-use suction device is not helpful for earwax removal, and ear candles can burn the outside of the ear and ear canal, causing eardrum perforation.
Prevention
In children, clean only the outside of their ears with a washcloth. Avoid sticking cotton swabs or other items into the ears. If they start to pull or tug at the ears or have difficulty hearing, excessive earwax may be built up. You may discuss with a doctor whether to have it removed.
In adults with hearing aids, check their ears regularly to see if there is earwax buildup or blockage, as it can aggravate hearing loss and other behavioral conditions.
