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Ear Wax
Medical Questions » Ear Wax
| Name: Ear Wax |
| Also known as: Cerumen |
| Ear wax is secreted naturally in the outer ear canal by special glands, and slowly moves out to clear away dust and debris that enters the ear. It also acts to keep the skin lining the canal lubricated and to protect it from water and other irritants. The ear is designed to be self-cleaning, and attempts to clean it may pack the wax down hard on the eardrum or damage the ear canal. |
Causes of Ear Wax
Ear wax may cause problems if excess is produced, the wax is too thick, the ear canal is narrow, or the person works in a dusty and dirty environment. When wax builds up on the eardrum, it cannot transmit vibrations on to the inner ear. Water entering the ear during bathing or swimming may cause the wax to swell. |
Symptoms of Ear Wax
Gradual loss of hearing, itching and sometimes pain. |
Tests for Ear Wax
Seen by examining the ear with a magnifying light (otoscope). |
Treatment for Ear Wax
Removed by syringing, suction or fine forceps. In syringing, warm water is gently squirted into the ear to dislodge the wax, with large lumps being removed by forceps. The use of wax-softening drops may be necessary to facilitate the removal of particularly large or hard accumulations of wax. Those with recurrent problems should use wax-softening drops on a regular basis.
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Complications of Ear Wax of its treatment
Infection may start in the skin of the outer ear canal under the wax causing worse pain. |
Likely Outcome of Ear Wax
No serious problems expected. |
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