Earwax

Overview

Earwax is actually a yellowish waxy substance secreted in the ear canal. It protects the skin of the ear canal, protects the ear against the invasion of microorganisms, and assists in lubrication. However, it can cause problems when it forms a wax plug.

Signs and Symptoms

Feeling of fullness in the ear, Mild hearing loss such as muffled sound, Earache, Itchiness, Tinnitus, Dizziness, Yellowish or waxy ear discharge, Ear infection

Common Causes

A tendency to produce more ear wax in the ears than normal people do, Having hairy or narrower ear canals preventing normal drainage of the ear wax

Risk Factors

Older people, People with developmental disabilities, Having certain skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, Excessive cleaning of the ear canal with objects such as fingers or cotton buds, Usage of earplugs and hearing aids that pushes ear wax further in, Working in dusty environment, Swimming or contact with water can push ear wax further in

Investigation Techniques

Medical history, Otoscope

Treatment and Prevention

Using cerumenolytic solutions into the ear canal, Irrigating or syringing the ear with water or normal saline, Wax removal with special instruments such as forceps or suction device, Ear wax buildup can be prevented by using ear drops to soften the wax regularly