March 29, 2024

Best ways to remove ear wax – Medical News Bulletin

Ear wax serves the purpose to keep the ears healthy by acting as a cleaning and protective agent against germs and small particles such as dirt and dust.1 Excessive ear wax can cause blockage of the ear canal resulting in itching, pain, ringing in the ear, cough, and in most extreme cases hearing loss.1 Elderly people and people using hearing aids and earplugs are at greater risk of developing ear wax blockage.1

What is the best way to remove ear wax? There are several options. …….

Ear wax serves the purpose to keep the ears healthy by acting as a cleaning and protective agent against germs and small particles such as dirt and dust.1 Excessive ear wax can cause blockage of the ear canal resulting in itching, pain, ringing in the ear, cough, and in most extreme cases hearing loss.1 Elderly people and people using hearing aids and earplugs are at greater risk of developing ear wax blockage.1

What is the best way to remove ear wax? There are several options. Currently, 4 main choices are recommended by clinical practice guidelines.

1. Sometimes less is more

Normally old ear wax is removed through a self-cleaning process via jaw motion and skin shedding.1 This self-cleaning process in conjunction with normal hygiene is usually sufficient to remove ear wax.1 It doesn’t require much time and can reduce the need for unnecessary treatments that can sometimes cause more harm than benefits.1

2. Irrigation can be an effective method for ear wax removal

Irrigation consists of using a warm water stream to clear the ear canal. Irrigation can be performed at home and is among the best ways to remove ear wax and is a valid option in young children.2 A study testing 3 different syringes for irrigation (Elephant Ear Washer Bottle System®, OtoClear® Spray Wash Kit) found them as effective as metal curettes in terms of percentage of cerumen removed and user satisfaction.2

Irrigation is not recommended in people susceptible to ear infections, with eardrum lacerations, or ear tubes.1It can cause temporary dizziness and pain.1

3. Physical removal should be performed only by healthcare professionals

Ear nose throat specialists should be involved especially when patients are not able to express discomfort and symptoms.1 Healthcare professionals use special instruments and suctioning devices to perform physical ear wax removal.1

Physical removal is a fast process, and the results are fast as well.1 It should only be performed by a professional. It can result in discomfort, ear infections, and bleeding and might not be effective in the long term.1

4. Ear drops can be effective against compacted ear wax

Ear drops containing cerumenolytic agents can soften and break the accumulated ear wax and favour the subsequent removal by other methods.1 These agents can be oil- or water-based.3 But no conclusive evidence exists so far on their effectiveness compared to other methods.3

There is no definitive high-quality evidence supporting this method in favour of no treatment.3</…….

Source: https://medicalnewsbulletin.com/best-ways-to-remove-ear-wax/