Home Remedies for Ear Wax

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Ear Wax Blockage
According to the Mayo Clinic, Ear Wax blockage occurs when earwax or cerumen accumulates and becomes too hard to wash away naturally.

The body needs earwax is part of the body’s natural defense system. The ear wax protects the ear canal by slowing bacteria and trapping dirt .

Causes of Ear Wax Blockage
The ear wax usually makes it way to the opening of the ear where it falls out or is removed by daily washing.

Sometimes the glands over produce ear wax which may harden in the ear. Cleaning the wax blockage incorrectly can push the wax deeper into the ear. Ear Wax blockage is one of the leading causes of hearing loss according to the New York Times Health Guide .

Symptoms of Ear Wax Blockage


Signs of ear wax blockage may include:
•    Earache
•    Fullness in the affected ear
•    Ear noise also known as tinnitus
•    Hearing decreased in affected ear

When to Seek Medical Attention
The signs and symptoms of ear wax blockage are very similar to other ear conditions. Even if you have had past problems with ear wax, there may be other conditions at play.   If you have drainage from the ear, fever, persistent hearing loss, persistent or severe ear pain contact a physician .

Ear wax is most safely removed by a doctor, the ear and eardrum are extremely delicate and damage can occur quite easily.

Home Remedies for Ear Wax Blockage
Treating ear wax blockage at home is generally done by softening the ear wax by using baby oil, commercial ear wax drops, glycerin or mineral oil. Do not add anything to the ear if there is a possibility of ruptured ear drum.

Alternatively, another home remedy for ear wax involves irrigation. Irrigate using body temperature water (warmer or cooler water will cause brief but severe dizziness or vertigo) in a syringe to direct a small stream of water against the ear canal wall near the plug of ear wax. Never irrigate if the ear drum is not intact .

Chewing Gum
Chewing gum activates the motion of the jaw which aids in the body’s natural process of loosing the ear wax. For younger children for whom gum would not be advisable, try chewier foods which will promote the same jaw motion.

Keep it Out

Never stick anything in your ears which could be sharp as puncturing can occur. Cotton tip swabs are often used to clean the outer ear but should not be used inside the ear as they are likely to cause problems. Do not try to dig out the wax.

Skip the Candles
Ear candles can create serious injury including burns since the candles are held at an angle to the ear. The FDA has reported concern about the inherit safety issues of ear candles, regulatory compliance, seizures and injunctions have resulted from the FDA investigations.  

References:

Mayo Clinic:  Health/Ear Wax Blockage online @ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/earwax-blockage/DS00052

 Health: NYTimes Guides:  Wax-Blockage online @ http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/wax-blockage/overview.html

 Mayo Clinic:  Health: Ear Wax Blockage online http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/earwax-blockage/DS00052/DSECTION=symptoms

 National Library of Medicine, National Institute of Health online @ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000979.htm
 
 National Library of Medicine, National Institute of Health online @ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000979.htm

Article Last Modified Friday, October 30, 2009
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