Earwax serves a very important purpose. Not only does it protect the ear by trapping dust and bacteria but it also helps clean and lubricate the ear canal. But what if you produce too much earwax? There are a variety of methods for removing excess earwax from the ear canal, including massage. |
Earwax, also called cerumen, is a waxy substance produced by the glands inside the ear canal. It protects and lubricates the delicate lining of the ear canal from harmful germs, dust and objects that could cause infections or damage. Your earwax might be wet and have a thick, sticky consistency or dry and flaky. Both are normal.
There isn’t a “normal” amount of earwax. Rather, the amount produced varies from person to person. But, if you’ve ever wondered, “Why do I produce so much earwax?”, that may be a sign that you’re overproducing. That’s because you’re unlikely to notice a “normal amount” of earwax. Too much earwax could cause a number of symptoms, including:
- Earaches or ears that feel plugged;
- Tinnitus or muffled hearing;
- Itching in the ears.
It’s important to note that wearing hearing aids can lead to excessive earwax production for some people. Because hearing aids sit in the ear canal they can sometimes block the normal migration of earwax and can also stimulate the production of earwax.
In extreme cases, you’ll need professional help to remove an earwax blockage, but there are many ways to treat excess earwax at home. We’ll address some common home remedies below, including how to massage earwax out.
Step-by-step: How to massage impacted earwax out
- Wash your hands to prevent the introduction of germs.
- Dampen a clean towel or washcloth with warm water and wring it out.
- Hold the warm cloth over your ear for a few minutes. The warm compress can help loosen the earwax.
- Using one or two fingers, gently massage around the outer ear.
- Start along the base of your ear and work in a circular motion.
- Finally, pull on your earlobe gently while you open and close your jaw. This will help to work the wax along the ear canal.
Remember, the massaging should only take place outside the ear canal. Never insert objects like cotton swabs into your ear canal.
Earwax removal is a common procedure for most ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists. If you experience any of the symptoms laid out in this article that may be associated with earwax pain, make an appointment with your healthcare provider or a hearing specialist—especially if home remedies aren’t working. Your provider can also offer advice for treating chronic issues related to the overproduction of earwax.
The above is the interpretation of A Gentle Guide to Massaging Earwax Out of the Canal provided by Chinese hearing aid supplier Shenrui Medical. Link https://www.srmcm.com/Blog/A_Gentle_Guide_to_Massaging_Earwax_Out_of_the_Canal.html of this article is welcome to share and forward. For more hearing aid related information, please visit Blog or take a look at our Hearing aids products
