Earwax, known by ENT physicians as cerumen, is a substance produced by the outer part of the ear canal. Its job is to lubricate the ear canals and protect the ears by trapping debris. Most of the time, old earwax is moved out of the ears through natural jaw movements when talking and chewing. However, in some cases it can build up and become unsightly, in which case you may want to remove it with a Q-tip. But should you? The short answer is no.
What’s Wrong with Q-Tips?
There’s nothing wrong with using Q-tips for manicures, makeup application, cleaning or arts and crafts, as that’s what they’re designed for. However, disaster can strike if you use them to clean your ears.
For one, it’s all too easy to push earwax further into your ear when trying to clean them with Q-tips. Secondly, and more dangerously, you can insert the Q-tip too far into your ear and puncture your eardrum on accident, causing temporary hearing loss and putting you at risk of infection.
How Should I Clean My Ears Instead?
Instead of cleaning your ears with Q-tips, you can purchase over-the-counter eardrops from The Medicine Chest Pharmacy to soften the wax, then irrigate your ears in the shower using the stream. This should dislodge any loose earwax.
What If My Earwax Is Impacted?
If your earwax is impacted, you’ll need to see an expert ENT physician at Ear, Nose & Throat Associates to have it professionally removed.
Signs of impacted earwax include:
- Earache
- Feeling of fullness in the ear
- Itchiness in the ear
- Odor or discharge from the ear
- Pain or infection in the ear
- Hearing loss
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
- Dizziness
- Cough
Your physician can diagnose impacted earwax after discussing your symptoms and using a lighted, magnified instrument called an otoscope to examine the ear canal.
To remove the wax, there are a few strategies they might employ. They may try any of the following:
- Use medicated eardrops to soften the wax.
- Flush out the wax using a syringe filled with warm water and saline or diluted hydrogen peroxide.
- Remove wax with a small, curved tool called a curet.
- Use suction to remove the wax.
For more information about safe earwax removal or to schedule an appointment with an expert ENT physician, call Ear, Nose & Throat Associates today.