Accompanying symptoms
Hearing loss is often not the only symptom of an earwax plug. In most cases, affected people complain about additional symptoms on the affected side. For example, they may experience itching or a feeling of fullness in the affected ear.
This can even be painful. There may be a beeping or whistling sound in the affected ear, known as tinnitus. Even if the organ of balance is located in the area of the inner ear, i.e. relatively unaffected by the actual earwax plug, dizziness or vertigo is often reported.
Parts of the external auditory canal are innervated by the so-called nervus vagus. This nerve has a number of other diverse tasks. Among other things, it supplies most of the internal organs of the human being and has an influence on the heart rate.
Especially when removing an earwax plug, the vagus nerve can be irritated. In this case nausea, coughing or even a sudden slowing down of the heart rate can be expected, which can even lead to unconsciousness. However, this occurs only rarely. Especially very young people are affected.
What should be taken into account when removing?
The safest and best method for removing an earwax plug is to visit a doctor. This is especially recommended for more severe symptoms. The doctor can rinse the earwax plug with warm water.
In persistent cases he may use ear drops or even so-called ear curettes. This is a fine tool with which the earwax plug can be removed by the doctor. Due to the risk of injury, however, this should only be done by qualified personnel.Normally, the removal of an earwax plug is done under sight.
For this purpose, the doctor uses a so-called ear microscope, for example. The removal of an earwax plug by the doctor is safe and simple. Nevertheless, even the layman can recognize and treat a plug of earwax.
In many cases it may be sufficient to rinse the affected ear with warm water. This should correspond to the body temperature. Too warm or too cold water can irritate the nearby organ of balance and the associated nerves.
This can lead to dizziness. It is sufficient to gently rinse the ear with lukewarm water. This is made easier by using a common syringe, which can be bought in a pharmacy.
Especially if a second person is present, he or she can use it to remove the earwax plug. In stubborn cases, ear drops or a fatty liquid such as olive oil or glycerine can be used. These should soften the earwax, so that the earwax plug can be removed more easily.
Some companies also offer special devices with which the earwax can be sucked off. However, the use of these devices seems to be rather ineffective in comparison. The use of cotton swabs is not recommended.
The same applies to so-called ear candles. These are inadequate in their effect and possibly even dangerous, especially when used improperly. Helpful information can also be found under:
- Loosen earwax
- Remove earwax safely
