Earwax: Function, Tasks, Role & Diseases

Earwax is a yellowish mass formed in the external ear canals. In most cases, the appearance of earwax is a normal and healthy phenomenon.

What is earwax?

Excessive cleaning using cotton swabs can cause the earwax in the ear canal to condense into a plug. Earwax is produced by special glands in the ear. In most people, the yellowish to brown mass is sticky and moist. In Asia and among Native Americans, however, a dry variant of earwax has been able to establish itself genetically. Both forms, however, serve the same purpose: to keep penetrating dirt and insects out of the sensitive body orifice. Earwax has an antibacterial effect and can also absorb dead skin cells and other dirt particles and transport them to the outside. The appearance of earwax only becomes problematic when it forms plugs that can close the ear canal.

Causes

In many cases, the reason for the formation of earwax plugs is incorrect or excessive cleaning. Some people naturally produce too much earwax others increase production by removing earwax too frequently. Using cotton swabs to clean the ear canal further compacts the earwax. While loose earwax is transported out through movements when chewing or speaking, a plug can no longer take this route. The earwax becomes stuck, which can result in feelings of pressure and hearing loss. Severe itching in the ear may also indicate a plug of earwax.

Diagnosis and course

A plug of earwax is not dangerous to the ear. Impairment of hearing is only temporary and resolves once the plug is removed. However, many individuals believe they can remove the plug themselves using various objects. Paper clips, matches or similar objects are regularly used to remove the earwax. However, this easily causes more damage than the earwax could ever do. If the eardrum is damaged, pathogens can enter. Inflammations and, in the worst case, even the loss of hearing can be the consequences. However, anyone who has the plug of earwax professionally removed or uses the appropriate aids from the pharmacy need not fear any damage. With proper care, a renewed formation of an earwax plug can be prevented altogether.

Treatment

Earwax in normal amounts does not need to be treated, as it is one of the body’s natural protective mechanisms. However, if a plug has formed, it must be removed. Few methods can be tested by the patient at home. Special drops, which are dribbled into the ear for this purpose, swell the plug so that it can drain away naturally. Warm water is then sufficient to rinse the ear. Since the organ of balance is affected by this procedure, the ears should only be rinsed in a sitting position. Another method is the use of an ear candle. This beeswax candle, hollow inside, is placed in the affected ear and ignited. The negative pressure created by the heat can help loosen the plug. However, care should be taken when doing so. Hot wax could drip into the ear and burn the sensitive skin. The patient should not use the candle alone for this reason. If this method is unsuccessful, the ear, nose and throat specialist can help with treatment. He has the right instruments to act safely inside the ear canal. Also with medical assistance, the plug of earwax is usually dissolved to be able to remove it.

Prevention

Instead of using cotton swabs or other tools to pry the earwax out of the ear canal, it is better to let it drain away. Cleaning the pinna is quite enough to keep the ears clean. The inside of the ear canal should be disregarded in daily care. On the one hand, this prevents the production of earwax from being unnecessarily stimulated, and on the other hand, it prevents the earwax from building up inside the ear.

Remedy for earwax