Information on ear wax

What is ear wax?

Wax is a natural secretion of fats and oil produced in the ear and it consists of dead skin, hair and dust. Small amounts are made all the time. Ear wax repels water and protects the ear by trapping dust and other particles. It is slightly acidic, giving protection from bacteria and fungi. Absence of ear wax may cause dryness, irritation and itching.

Who suffers from excessive ear wax?

A build-up of wax is more likely to occur in hearing aid users, in older adults or if there is an anatomical abnormality of the ear canal. A build-up of wax may also occur with anxiety, stress and dietary or hereditary factors.

What can I do if wax builds up?

Do not try to clean the ear canal (the passage leading from the outer ear to the eardrum) with cotton wool buds etc. This can make things worse as you will push some wax deeper inside. Frequent or vigorous use of such instruments as cotton buds, rolled towel ends, hair grips and so on can lead to impaction, a build up of wax tightly packed together. This may also cause an ear infection.

Usually ear wax comes out of the ear by migration, a process aided by jaw movement. Let the ear 'clean itself.'

When is intervention necessary?

A plug of wax is not a serious problem, really more of a nuisance. Removal is only necessary if:

• We need to see the eardrum
• We are taking an ear mould impression
• The ear wax is causing deafness, pain or other ear related symptoms.

How do you remove wax?

Use of ear drops

Ear drops alone will often clear a plug of wax. It is possible to buy drops from pharmacies. For example, sodium bicarbonate or olive oil can be bought over the counter. Coconut or almond oil may be used as an alternative as long as you do not suffer with a nut allergy. Drops should be instilled three to four times daily into the ear for five to seven days. This will result in the expulsion of the softened, lubricated wax out of the ear canal by the normal migratory process. If pain occurs, stop using the drops.

Insertion of drops into the ear canal

• Warm the drops to room temperature before using. Let the bottle stand in the room for about half an hour.
• Lie on a bed with the affected ear towards the ceiling.
• With one hand, pull the top of the ear upwards and outwards to straighten the ear canal.
• Squeeze one to two drops over the entrance to the ear canal.
• Lie still in that position for five minutes.
• Wipe the excess drops that pool outside the ear.
• Do not insert cotton wool into the entrance of the ear canal as this will absorb the drops.

Microsuction

If ear drops fail to clear the wax, a doctor or a nurse who is expert in the use of microscope will remove the wax by suction and special instruments. The suction generates a loud noise but should not cause any discomfort.

Contact us

The Emmeline Centre for Hearing Implants

Box 163, CUHFT, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ

Telephone: 01223 217589

Mobile phone / SMS: 01223 410229

Fax: 01223 586735

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