Earwax, while kind of gross, is actually a good thing because it’s a sticky shield that protects your eardrums from bacteria and dirt. Typically, old wax dries up and falls out or washes away when you bathe. But sometimes build-ups do occur and cause mild discomfort or hearing problems. Some people just produce more wax than others; we don’t know why, but it’s not a sign of illness. Don’t try to dig it out using cotton swabs or anything else, for that matter. You risk perforating your eardrum or trapping water or dirt deep in your ear as the wax gets pushed in farther, which can cause infection. Use swabs only on the outer part of your inner ear and wipe away any visible wax with a warm, damp washcloth. If wax build-up impairs your hearing or causes any pain, see your doctor. She can safely remove build-up with a bulb syringe or a small instrument called a curette, or she may prescribe ear drops or an over-the-counter product designed to help loosen hard wax.
Posted on: Wed, 03 Jul 2013 22:51:47 +0000
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