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Is it normal to have the earwax draining out from the ear?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My ear wax is runny and will run consistently throughout the night, preventing sleep. I have used various ear products in the past. However, none seem to address the constant movement of ear wax. What is the treatment for this? Kindly help.

Answered by Dr. Shyam Kalyan N

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shyam Kalyan N is a highly skilled Allergy and ENT Specialist dedicated to diagnosing and treating a wide range of ear, nose, throat, and allergy-related conditions. With expertise in advanced ENT care and allergy management, he provides personalized treatment plans that improve overall health and quality of life. Known for his patient-focused approach and clinical excellence, he combines modern medical practices with compassionate care to ensure long-term wellness.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern. Ear wax is a normal phenomenon; the canal skin grows outwards to bring the wax outside. However, in some, the wax production is excessive and can cause the symptoms like you described, either excess discharge or a block affecting hearing. Runny wax problem is somewhat uncommon. Therefore, we should rule out middle ear and outer ear infections. External ear infections are usually painful due to water entry into the ear canal and constant irritation. Middle ear infection would entail a perforated ear drum and recurrent discharges. Do you have any previous ENT prescriptions? Do you have this problem in both ears or just one? Is there any associated hearing loss, pain, or giddiness? If it is just the wax problem, you may use a Q tip to clean the discharge but do not insert it overtly inside. Instead, clean only the outside part of the ear canal. Insertion of the same deeply can cause canal trauma or ear drum perforation. Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At November 7, 2022
Reviewed At December 23, 2023

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shyam Kalyan N is a highly skilled Allergy and ENT Specialist dedicated to diagnosing and treating a wide range of ear, nose, throat, and allergy-related conditions. With expertise in advanced ENT care and allergy management, he provides personalized treatment plans that improve overall health and quality of life. Known for his patient-focused approach and clinical excellence, he combines modern medical practices with compassionate care to ensure long-term wellness.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shyam Kalyan N is a highly skilled Allergy and ENT Specialist dedicated to diagnosing and treating a wide range of ear, nose, throat, and allergy-related conditions. With expertise in advanced ENT care and allergy management, he provides personalized treatment plans that improve overall health and quality of life. Known for his patient-focused approach and clinical excellence, he combines modern medical practices with compassionate care to ensure long-term wellness.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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