What is earwax and what is its function?
Earwax, also known colloquially as “wax,” is a small substance that is produced inside the ear canal, for the sole purpose of protecting the auditory system.
Wax is not strange and is completely natural just like mucus, and is produced as a result of mixtures of skin, sweat and even the hair itself. Including waste such as shampoo, dirt and sometimes dandruff. Very rarely it is noticeable on the ears, osease, from the outside.
In this sense, earwax is a fluid secreted by the ceruminous glands within the ear canal. This liquid also helps to obstruct and prevent the passage of dust, keep the ear free of different infections or microorganisms.
It is called for children, as a germ catcher. Its color can vary between dark brown or orange, normally it is almost the same color as the snot but less green.
Tips for cleaning ears safely
Earwax may be annoying, although it exists to protect our ears, it does not have a good texture or a pleasant smell.
For this reason, there are people who decide to remove it, however it is in a place as delicate as the canal of our ears, which if it is not removed correctly would totally affect the ear canal. Therefore, it is important to remove it properly without risk of causing damage.
Here are some tips for cleaning your ears safely:
Saline Drops
Drops can be effective solutions if too much wax is found in the ear canal.
The saline solution is normally a liquid used in nasal drops, since they help to keep the nose open when washing thick mucus, so it can also be used in the ear to safely remove earwax.
It uncovers, so to speak, the ear to treat it deeply, removing even other dirt and excess earwax. It can be easily created at home with baking soda and a little salt. And always using it carefully with drops, so that it does not completely cover the ear.
baby oil drops
Baby oil has more uses than is known, since its laxative components are capable of softening, lubricating, rejuvenating and, of course, cleaning.
If you find yourself with a lot of earwax, it is ideal to carefully add no more than 5 drops of baby oil, leaving it there for a certain time of 10 to 20 minutes maximum. With this, the earwax will slowly dissolve inside the ear, and to clean the drops, just lean on a clean towel.
olive oil drops
Not to be confused with extra virgin olive oil, the olive oil indicated for the treatment of the ears is of the temperate type.
But its use is necessary only in strict and emergency times, since olive oil moistens the wax that is very dry inside the ear and can affect the eardrum and the entire auditory system.
Also, olive oil drops help as a muscle relaxant for the ear, especially when encountering open infections. This is thanks to research at theReina Sofía University Hospital in Córdoba , who have determined that “olive oil has anti-inflammatory properties.”
Paraffin Oil Drops
The University of Oklahomarecommends the use of ear cleaning paraffin, created by clogging of too much wax and treatments for otitis media or tinnitus. Paraffin oil is a hydrocarbon that is used in the areas of medicine and cosmetics, since it is very moisturizing for human skin.
The same can be applied to the ears to eliminate earwax, but also to keep it lubricated, since it eliminates dead cells that exist inside the ear and also helps with muscle pain caused by hearing fatigue.
drops of hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is very ideal for cleaning wounds and avoiding infections. Not only does it help to remove the earwax that exists inside the ear, but it can also uncover it if it is very accumulated.
It is recommended to use hydrogen peroxide with a dropper and let it act for a maximum of 3 to 9 minutes. Hydrogen peroxide helps disinfect the ear and keep it protected from microorganisms.
glycerin drops
Glycerin is an alcohol that is widely used in cosmetics due to its excellent uses on human skin when processed, since products such as soap are made from this component.
In fact, the use of glycerin is recommended by the University of Santander in a study called the Protocol for Washing Foreign Bodies in the Ear , which indicates that glycerin meets the necessary health guidelines.
In addition, glycerin acts as a solvent that removes dead cells inside the ear and on the skin. Without exaggerating with a small stream, glycerin will keep the ear hydrated and free of microorganisms that are inside, capable of causing an infection.
Medicines recommended by specialist
The previously explained drops or more specific medications should not always be used by one’s own decision.
They can be prescribed by a specialist who analyzes the case of our ears, having the final decision on the best method to lubricate and clean our ears, always safely, with the procedure well explained and that an unexpected allergy does not arise.
The medications that are mostly prescribed by a specialist are: otocerum (ear drops) or cerax, an anesthetic for otic use as well, these are recommended after a medical evaluation. Nasal decongestants are also included, but for only a few days, too much is dangerous to hearing.
Use a towel on the outside
A clean towel helps us to eliminate the liquids or drops that we have used, in addition to that it also eliminates the dirt that is removed with them, from the limit that can reach the outside.
The towel must be clean and must be used with care, so as not to disturb the ear or hurt it if it is used roughly. In addition to towels, cotton, which is a small, soft object, can also be used to clean the ear area. Cotton is widely used in cosmetics.
Perform a bulb syringe irrigation
They are considered very efficient tools to remove earwax and keep the ear clean. Bulb or bulb syringes are a tiny device that is used both personally and by medical specialists.
The process is easy and careful, but effective, it involves introducing the syringe into the ear, previously with established liquids or, if it is more comfortable, with warm water.
It is left to rest inside the ear for the moment that is desired, but with the total elimination of the earwax. This process is also effective for elderly people with excess earwax inside the ears.
Chew gum
We have all felt that annoying plug inside our ears. This, along with hearing fatigue, can be caused by too much wax inside the ear canal, which is uncomfortable and stressful, but there are cheap and simple methods to solve these problems, if they are minor.
In this sense, chewing gum is the most common way for many people today. This helps with the mobilization of the jaw, a movement that greatly influences the auditory system to uncover it. It is very useful when traveling by plane or by car with your ears extremely covered, and this is a great alternative.
make jaw movements
If you don’t have gum, don’t worry. Making circular, smooth and repetitive movements with the jaw helps to relax the ears more when they are exhausted, clogged and very delicate.
It is relaxing for many people, since it produces a self-massage that is done with the jaw, being effective and alleviating any listening fatigue.
Ear Cleaning Considerations
Taking into account the different methods for cleaning the ear, there are other factors to consider when deciding to do a safe and effective cleaning:
It should not be done every day
It’s okay to be neat, but earwax is part of our human nature, it helps protect us from infections and microorganisms that get trapped in the ear.
If this wax did not exist, it would be easier to be affected by various microscopic diseases in the environment that we find ourselves in (either through the air or smoke). Ears can be cleaned one day a week, it is more than enough and necessary to maintain order with our hearing system.
Avoid inserting swabs deeply
The swabs are effective for removing any earwax inside the ear, the famous swabs that we are taught to use from a young age. But they are not entirely safe.
These cases are common in children and adolescents, as explained by Dr. Rupal Christine in Kids Health “There are elements, such as cotton swabs, and forks that, if inserted into the ear, can be stuck in the eardrum.”
There are people who do not use swabs correctly and end up damaging the eardrum and the inner walls of the ear. This can be dangerous for the auditory system. The swab is to clean the outer parts of the ear, where it is achieved, but they can never be used deep in it.
Avoid using pointed objects
Avoid using a sharp object, such as a tweezer. They are strict and risky methods, capable of breaking the internal walls and leaving open wounds, giving way to different microorganisms capable of causing an infection, not only in the auditory system, but also in our entire body.
It can also damage your hearing and lead to listening fatigue at its worst.
In case of pain see a specialist doctor
If you have hearing pain, hearing fatigue or even the famous ringing that you can’t stop hearing, it is necessary to go to a specialist doctor in the most serious case, to receive primary care from a professional.
The doctors in the area of treatment of the ears, their study and diseases are called otologists.
Otologist specialists may prescribe the necessary treatments or methods to provide us with a safe cleaning of our ears. Even to improve hearing in the patient.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.