The Truth About Impacted Ear Wax

Wax protects your ears against infection by trapping dirt and foreign substances in the ear canal. The wax usually goes away on its own, but can possibly build up over time leading to impacted ear wax. This condition can be uncomfortable and even cause hearing loss. This article will tell you everything you need to know about impacted ear wax.

Causes

Impacted ear wax can be caused by many things. The most common cause is when you clean your outer ear with a Q-tip. This pushes the ear wax further down into your ear and can clog up your outer ear canal. People who wear hearing aids or have abnormally shaped ear canals also commonly suffer from impacted ear wax. One final cause is the overproduction of ear wax due to loud noises or infections.

Complications

Impacted ear wax can cause various complications. The most common complication is a loss of hearing. Others report a ringing or pain in the ear. Impacted ear wax can also cause itching in the ear, vertigo, or bouts of coughing.

Home Treatment

There are a few things you can do at home to get rid of impacted ear wax. The most common treatment involves softening the war wax with baby oil or olive oil. After leaving the oil in for a few minutes, you simply clean your ear out with a warm cloth. There are also over-the-counter products designed to remove impacted ear wax. Two popular products include Murine Ear Drops and Debrox.

Medical Treatment

If you are unable to get rid of your impacted ear wax at home, it may be necessary to have it removed by a specialist. The specialist will likely apply ear drops to soften the wax. He will then use a syringe filled with water to flush your ears out. Another special treatment involves the use of a vacuum to remove the impacted ear wax. You may also receive antibiotic ear drops to reduce the chance of infection.

Prevention

The best way to prevent impacted ear wax is not to use foreign objects to clean your ears out. These include Q-tips, hair pins, and paper clips. If you wear a hearing aid, you should have your ears checked on a regular basis to prevent impacted ear wax.