Uppermill pharmacist IAN STRACHAN examines earwax and its treatments
EARWAX IS an objectionable material produced by glands inside the ear. It cleans, lubricates and protects the linings of our ears by trapping dirt and repelling water.
In addition earwax has antibacterial properties so helps to combat dryness, cracking, and the resistance to infection.
Earwax can be wet or dry, hard or soft. Soft wax is more common in children although hard wax is more likely to give rise to problems.
Dry wax is characteristically golden and flaky in appearance and is more prevalent in people of Asian origin.
Problems from ear wax
Earwax, from my experience, doesn’t usually give rise to any serious conditions. However excessive wax can lead to blocked and painful ears, general discomfort or even hearing loss.
Recurrent bouts of ear infections, flaking skin around the ear or hairs within the ear can all exacerbate the production of earwax.
We can all reduce our risk of developing earwax and susceptibility to infection by avoiding inserting objects such as cotton bunds, matchsticks or hairpins into our ears.
Treatment
In many cases earwax will fall out naturally, eliminating the need to remove it. Stubborn wax however can give rise to hear loss and so will require removal.
Ear drops from your pharmacy will help to soften and loosen objectionable wax, encouraging its expulsion naturally. Ear drops are best used at room temperature and should not be used on people with a perforated ear drum.
Personally I have a soft spot (sorry for the pun!) for olive oil, in particular the spray formulation.Place a few drops into the affected ear and lie on your side for a few minutes with the affected ear facing upwards. Repeat this two to three times a day for three to five days.
Ear irrigation
The technique is sometimes recommended when earwax becomes blocked and impacted following the application of ear drops.
It involves a pressurised flow of water being inserted into the ear to remove stubborn impacted wax. During the procedure a controlled flow of water is squirted into the ear canal to clean out the wax. The water is of a similar temperature to your body.
Although the procedure is painless people may encounter a discomfort. Ear irrigation is not suitable for everyone as complications can arise following treatment. Your Doctor will advice when the technique is appropriate.
I would always recommend referrals to your doctor for anyone whose earwax gives rise to earache, tinnitus (the perception of noise in your ear that comes from inside the body) and itchiness.
Next moth we will take a closer look at migraines, their treatments and advice we can offer customers.
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