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Last posts on private forums:  sare  2008-06-16 09:56:33 matthew 2008-04-12 21:25:59 pieniadz 2008-04-12 20:52:26
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Last posts on private blogs: matthew 2008-04-12 21:25:17 mary 2008-04-12 19:27:47 |
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You are in: Main Page / Medical articles / Diseases / Ear Wax Removal
Ear wax accumulation is an embarrassing problem that makes people loose their confidence. The article presents tips on how to remove ear wax in a natural and safe way. It describes tools and procedure for self ear removal and makes people aware of the importance of appropriate care.
We should think twice before we take into our hands a cotton swab or anything that is supposed to remove wax from our ear. Ear was is accumulated in the inner part of ear canal and it is very useful for the skin in the ear. Ear wax becomes a problem when it blocks the outer side of the canal and prevents air and sounds from getting inside. The obstruction also makes it impossible for the fluids to get out of the ear. The tips on how to cope with ear wax accumulation are presented below.
The role of ear wax
The skin of ear canal contains sweat glands which are especially adjusted to production of earwax. It is supposed to prevent particles and harmful motes e.g. of dust from getting into the ear and causing irritation, injury or infection. Ear wax is rich in enzymes that destroy bacteria. It acts also as a "gasket" that protects the ear from getting injured by water. Such injuries result in possessing skin that is susceptible to infections e.g. 'swimmer's ear'. Usually, there's no need to remove wax from the ear as it is a natural barrier which protects ears from damages or infections. Ear wax can be removed in case of inconvenience or loss of hearing. Without ear wax though, the inside of the ear will be dry and itchy.
How should you clean the ear so as not to do harm to yourself? Ear wax usually accumulates in small amounts, then it gradually moves to the outside of the ear carrying the dead tissue. Sometimes it is possible that wax moves to the outside of the ear very slowly. In such a case, when it becomes visible, you can remove it with a cotton swab.
For most of people cleaning ears with cotton swabs is a normal, everyday routine activity similar to face washing. Some people insert to their ears objects which are meant to help them remove wax e.g. toothpicks, paper-clips, pencils, in other words, everything what's at hand. Unfortunately, they don't realize how harmful it can be. The truth is that we shouldn't clean ears in such a way. You can destroy delicate tissue lining the ear canal or break the eardrum which can cause ear infection. We should also remember that such cleaning may insert wax deeper into the ear canal and therefore, impair hearing.
The amount of wax produced depends on each individual, some people produce plenty of ear wax. If we think it disturbs hearing, we shouldn't clean the ear without consulting a doctor. Chemist's offer ear drops which soften the wax but they are effective only in some mild earwax plugs. It's only the specialist who can diagnose the exact cause of loss of hearing or other damage to the ear. If the accumulated wax is really detrimental the laryngologist will remove it. You should also remember not to touch or clean the ears if they are painful, swollen or reddened without consulting the laryngologist.
Added by:
mary
not connected with health care system
Added on:
2008-07-14 13:43:12 ,
Updated:
2008-07-14 13:45:22
Bibliography:
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