Introduction
There are times when you feel irritation in the ear. But we think that it is because of the earwax, and we try ways to remove them, and the most commonly used method is using cotton swabs. It is widely used for cleaning the ear without even being aware of the harm it can cause rather than benefiting it.
What Is Earwax?
Earwax is also known as cerumen and is seen in the ear canal. The function of earwax is to protect the ear from dust and foreign substances entering the ear. Also, earwax has lubricating and antibacterial properties. Sometimes the earwax can get lodged in the ear, which can cause hearing loss, pain in the ear, dizziness, ringing in the ear, and other problems too.
The earwax is produced in the outer part of the ear and not from deep inside the ear. Earwax is produced from dead skin cells and hair cells that are combined with the discharge produced from two different glands. The earwax produced in the ear canal is moved in and out in the ear like movements from the jaw while chewing or while skin grows from inside out.
What Are the Symptoms of Earwax Buildup and Blockage?
The symptoms of earwax buildup and blockage include:
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Pain in the ear.
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Feeling of fullness in the ear.
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Constant ringing sound in the ear (tinnitus).
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Itching in the ear.
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Difficulty in hearing can worsen over time.
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The odor from the ear.
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Discharge from the ear.
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Dizziness.
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Balance-related problems.
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Fever.
How Can Cotton Swabs Harm Hearing?
Earwax produced in the ear has its own function. But when excessive earwax is blocked or clogged in the ear canal, it can cause irritation to the ear, and the first instinct is to put something in the ear. So we will reach out to the cotton swab to clear what is causing the irritation from the ear. Rather than being helpful, using the cotton swab can cause more harm by using it. Because of the shape of the cotton swab, it can do more harm than good related to removing earwax. The cotton swab pushes the hardened ear wax further inside the ear canal, which can affect hearing ability. Also, it will cause more difficulty while trying to remove the earwax.
Also, apart from pushing the earwax further deep, it can puncture the eardrum if the cotton swab is pushed way deep. It can even cause damage to the more sensitive inner structure of the ears and may result in complete deafness, prolonged vertigo with nausea and vomiting, loss of taste function, and even paralysis (complete or partial loss of muscular functions). When the eardrum gets punctured or damaged, it can affect hearing and may also result in permanent hearing loss.
Is There a Need to Clean the Ear?
There is actually no need to remove the earwax from the ear. Earwax is not dirt; it serves as a lubricant and has antibacterial properties. It helps to lower the risk of developing ear infections. The risk of removing the ear wax is more than the benefits from it.
What Should Not Be Used to Remove Earwax?
While using things to remove earwax from the ear, always consider the safest options and avoid putting the following things into the ear.
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Small Objects - Avoid using things like pen caps or bobby pins to clean your ear.
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Cotton Swabs - Even though many people use cotton swabs, always avoid putting them in the ear.
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Ear Candles - Ear candles also have side effects, like they can cause burns to the ear and punctured eardrums.
When to Seek Medical Help for Earwax?
Consult a doctor when you observe any symptoms of earwax impaction. Some other conditions can also cause such symptoms, so make sure it is earwax impaction before trying out any medication or remedies.
Go to the hospital if you have the following:
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Severe spinning sensation, loss of balance, or inability to walk.
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Persistent vomiting or nausea.
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Fever.
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Sudden hearing loss.
Conclusion
Earwax is not an excretory or waste product from the body, so it is not always necessary to remove the earwax unless it gives you some trouble. Avoid putting it into the ear, which can further increase the risk of impaction of the earwax like a cotton swab. Cotton swabs are more than removing the earwax; they will push the earwax further deep. If in case you start to have any symptoms from clogged earwax, consult a doctor and take advice from them on what to do rather than trying your own methods.
