| | Earwax
Sarah Tsang, MSIII, Yingsha Shi, MD Sept., 2007
Why do we have it? Skin in the ear canal has special glands that make wax.
Earwax (cerumen) acts as a protective shield between the outside world and the eardrum.
Wax can build up and block your ear canal. This may happen if:
Your ear makes too much wax
Your ear cannot clear the wax quickly enough
You use cotton swabs or other items that push the earwax into your ear
What might happen if you have earwax build-up?
- Pain
- Hearing problems
- Noises in your ear (tinnitus)
- Feeling of fullness in the ear
- Dizziness
To remove earwax:
- Your doctor can remove wax buildup with an ear spoon
- Soften the wax with a few drops of baby oil, mineral oil or glycerin
- Flush and suction the ear with a hydrogen peroxide 1:1 with warm water solution using a rubber-bulb
- Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about earwax build-up
To prevent earwax impaction:
- Most kids don’t need to do anything special to remove earwax
- Don't use a cotton swab, your finger, or anything else to poke around inside your ear. Poking around in your ear may push the wax in further.
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