What is Earwax?

The secretion produced by the secretory glands located in the outer ear canal is called ‘serumen’. Earwax, that is, a bun, is also formed by combining dust, dirt and particles that enter the ear canal from the outside with serum.

A bun, popularly known as earwax, forms in the outer ear canal; on the inner side of the auricle, in the area located just in front of the eardrum Dec. Under normal conditions, the outer ear canal spontaneously expels the ear tuck with the movement of the skin from the inside out.

What causes earwax?

Earwax is actually serum produced from secretory glands in the outer ear canal that protect the eardrum from external factors. It ensures that the inside of the ear is moist, and dust from the outside makes the paritcules stick, just like dirt.

Is It Necessary to Clean the Earwax?

Since cleaning the ear secretion or, as it is known, earwax too often will destroy the external ear canal and the protective barrier of the eardrum; it does not need to be cleaned unless it creates a blockage at a level that prevents hearing.

Who Is Most Often Bothered by Earwax?

– Those who have been in dusty and dirty environments for a long time or who have been exposed due to occupational reasons

– People with swelling of the ear secretion due to the sea, pool water entering the external auditory meatus, and changes in the PH of the external auditory meatus

– People for whom the external ear canal is structurally narrow and therefore it is difficult to get the bun out of the ear

– Those who often use devices such as hearing aids, plugs and headphones

– Ear cleaning is performed by inserting a foreign body into the ear

– Excessive ear secretion

– Those who have eczema-style skin condition

Why does earwax accumulate?

When the earwax dries due to the structure of the ear, it is excreted into the auricle by the movement of the outer ear canal skin from the inside out. The most common cause of earwax accumulation is cleaning of the ear by inserting a foreign object (ear debris, etc. ) into the external ear canal unconsciously. Trying to clean the inside of the ear with an ear stick or a foreign object actually leads to the earwax formed in the outer part being pushed into the eardrum and accumulating in this area. Ear secretion or earwax is always present in some amount in the ear canal, but it is not necessary to clean it unless the blockage causes discomfort such as pain.

What are the symptoms of earwax?

The bun, known as earwax, is one of the body’s natural defense mechanisms under normal conditions. Bun is not expected to cause any complaints in people under normal conditions, but some people may experience complaints in the form of ear congestion, decreased hearing sensation, buzzing, ringing, dizziness, dry cough, feeling full in the ear, pain, odor, discharge or itching. These complaints can be unilateral, as well as in both ears. In the presence of such complaints, the person should be examined by contacting an ENT specialist and, if necessary, the earwax removal process and the treatment of the condition that caused it should be performed.

How should earwax be cleaned?

Earwax should never be tried to be cleaned by the person himself with a foreign object, such as earwax, etc. When a person does this, it causes the earwax to be pushed inward and can cause pain, both leading to blockage and causing the external ear canal to become infected with a foreign body reaction. Especially in children, the probability of damage to the eardrum is also quite high, since the external ear canal will be very short. Earwax cleaning can be done in the form of wiping only the scoop part of the outer ear with a clean cloth. Jul. Otherwise, ear cleaning should be done by contacting an ENT specialist for cases that may occur or occur. Contrary to popular belief, the ear cleaning process does not lead to any habits.

Should an Otolaryngologist Clean the Earwax ?

Yes, earwax and external ear canal disorders should definitely be evaluated and treated by a specialist doctor . These disorders can lead to serious problems and should not be underestimated.

How does an Otolaryngologist Doctor remove earwax?

It is extremely inconvenient for ear cleaning to be performed by inserting a foreign object into the ear by the person himself or by an incompetent person. If a person has any complaints that he thinks are related to earwax, he should contact an ENT specialist for ear cleaning. The doctor can clean the earwax that bothers the person after the ear examination by different means under otoscope, endoscope or direct care as he sees fit, but my preferred way is to clean it with acipiration after using a special solution for softening purposes.

Although there may be minimal pain in all ear cleaning methods, there will be no permanent discomfort. If the earwax is hard, the doctor may prescribe a special solution before or after cleaning and ask for it to be used for a while. None of the properly medically performed ear cleaning procedures, as is commonly known, make it a habit or lead to faster ear contamination, just as we get a haircut not because we get a haircut, but because it grows out..

How to Do Ear Cleaning at Home ?

When there is a blockage, dropping oxygenated water and waiting for a few seconds, and then turning the head and letting the liquid flow out, can create relief. But if there is no change or a condition such as pain occurs, he should see an otolaryngologist as soon as possible.

Is the Ear Cleaned in the Emergency Room ?

Emergency conditions are not suitable for ear cleaning. It is not suitable both from the point of view of the device, from the point of view of the specialist physician who is familiar with the subject, and from the point of view of the current emergency conditions of the emergency doctor.

Should we drip olive oil for ear congestion or pain ?

No, it is not recommended that the effect of a foreign body is highly likely to aggravate the existing congestion and pain.

Should we put onions or garlic in the outer ear canal for ear congestion or pain ?

No, it is not recommended that the effect of a foreign body is highly likely to aggravate the existing congestion and pain.