Ear Wax – Safe for Aural Health

The external auditory canal is a special anatomic region, forming a “cul-de-sac” with the thin tympanic membrane and separating it from the sterile environment of the middle-ear cavity. Ear wax is produced in the outer third of the

and is generally composed of dead skin, bits of hair and secretions assisting in trapping tiny insects, cleaning the ear and preventing the outer parts of the ear from drying out. It is produced by all of us and causes problems only when it builds up, due to over-production or difficulties in the natural cleansing action of the wax. desiccation, itching, and burning of the skin within the ear canal (known as “Asteatosis”).

People who wear Hearing Aids should get their ears cleaned once or twice a year by a health professionals to avoid wax buildup which can cause further complications to the ears and damage to the Hearing Aid Device.

When ear wax blocks 80 percent or more of the ear canal diameter, it can result in reversible hearing loss.

About 12 million people in the United States seek medical care each year for impacted ear wax. The panel of The American Academy of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery Foundation advise the use of wax-dissolving agents such as water and saline by medical practitioners to to dislodge ear wax. Other options include Irrigation, the Curette Method, Vacuuming and Syringing.

Conclusion

Since the Ears are an intricate part of the water, their maintenance requires some minor attention.

It is necessary to clean the outer ears with plain water and soapy fingers, towelling dry and avoiding poking the corner of the towel or similar objects such as Napkin ends, bobby pins, Pens, into the entrance of the ear canal. Earwax is formed in the outer one-third of the ear canal and the use of cotton swabs pushes the wax further into the auditory canal, giving rise to ear blockages and irritating skin around the ear lobes. If pain or ringing persists constantly in the ear, it is advisable to see an ENT Specialist as soon as possible.

When Ear Wax builds up within your ears, it is called Cerumen impaction. Hearing loss, ear aches, itching, odor, discharge and/or tinnitus are complications which may arise if the condition is unchecked. It is advisable to consult a practitioner every 6-12 months for routine cleaning, if you are prone to repeated wax impaction or use hearing aids.

Wax Dissolving Agents such as irrigation or ear syringing, or manual removal with a suction device is an ideal method employed by doctors and specialists in order to avoid further impaction. There are no proven methods for avoiding impaction, so thorough and regular check-ups are always advisable.

Further more, the guidelines advise against the use of cotton-tipped swabs, oral jet irrigators and ear candling (the use of cone-shaped candles that are lit to draw out the wax).

Genetic and Anthropology Review

While Geneticists are constantly puzzled between poplution and ear wax consistency, they agree that ear wax acts as a cleansing agent and lubricant with antibacterial properies that aid in protecting the sensitive areas of one’s ear canal. Anthropologists on the other hand, have genetically determined earwax to be of two types, Dominant and Recessive. The Dominent ear wax is the grey and dry, flaky type, common is Asians and Native Americans whereas the Recessive Type of Earwax is wet and Honey colored. Cleaning of the Ear Canal is a Natural Process and is naturally accentuated by the movement of the Jaw muscles from Chewing, Talking, laughing etc.

Latest Debate and News

Once considered as filth and a blockage to the Auditory canal, scientists now believe that Earwax is adequately necessary for maintaining aural health. They discourage the persisiting urge of removing ear wax and the constant use of cotton buds/ swabs, vacuuming kits and ear candling to clean ear wax on your own. Cotton swabs and other cleaning applicators partially remove the outer wax from the ear canal but also push some of the wax further into the ear and as a result, Medical help is sought.

The American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) recently released guidelines to ‘Ear Health and Maintenance’ and the easiest and safest methods to remove ear wax without complications. They also detail various ailments contributing to improper care and excessive wax removal from the ears. Some common symptoms include Pain, itchiness, ringing of the ears (medically termed as “Ttinnitus”) and in severe cases impaired hearing.

When Persistent pain occurs, doctors enquire about the patients ear history. They then recommend a procedure known as Irrigation. This method allows Plain Water to gush out excess wax from the Auditory Canal. As age increases, so do the complications. Hence doctors recommend leaving ear wax untouched, if a person can hear properly.