Ear Wax
What are the symptoms of this condition?
The most common symptom of a build up of excess ear wax is a gradual reduction in hearing. Wax in the ears does not cause pain, discomfort or other symptoms.What is the cause of the condition?
The reduction in hearing occurs when the quantity of wax accumulates to the extent that it blocks the ear canal ('auditory meatus') leading to the eardrum.The ear canal leads sound waves from the outside world to the ear drum. The drum is the device which transmits sounds from the outside world to the deeper structures of the ear. It is quite normal to find some wax in this canal and any obstruction to the canal can affect hearing.
Wax is released into the canal by cells located in its inner lining. The wax, or cerumen, is secreted to lubricate and clean the canal, and is a natural feature of a normal healthy ear. Debris entering from the outside will be absorbed by the wax and ultimately removed by the continuous movements of the small hairs in the ear canal.
Sometimes the quantity of wax being released into the ear exceeds the amount the hairs can remove, leading to a build up of wax.
What complications might occur?
If a large enough quantity of wax becomes 'impacted', i.e. firmly lodged in the canal against the ear drum, this can noticeably reduce the level of hearing in that ear. Otherwise, a build up of ear wax causes no complications.What can I do to treat myself?
< Removal of wax from the ears must be done with great care. It is important that no attempts are made to remove wax by mechanical means, such as by inserting cotton wool buds or similar objects into the ear canal; this will only serve to push the wax further down into the canal and on to the ear drum. Any hearing problems will then be made worse and the wax will be even more difficult to remove.If wax must be removed, the safest method is to instil ear drops which will encourage the wax to break up so that it may be expelled from the ear naturally. These can be purchased from Pharmacy2U and will be dealt with in greater detail in the next section.
A safe home treatment is to place some warm olive oil in the ear canal. The oil will help to dissolve the wax and allow it to run from the ear.
If you are in any doubt about whether or not you have a build up of excess wax in your ears, you should consult your own doctor or the Pharmacy2U pharmacist before attempting any treatment.
What treatments are available for me to purchase?
There are a number of ear drops available suitable for removing wax from ears. As wax is a normal feature of the ear they should not be used unless there is a real need to do so. You may wish to consult the Pharmacy2U pharmacist for advice before purchasing any products.Most ear wax removers such as Cerumol and Earex act to soften the wax making it easier to remove. Otex also contains hydrogen peroxide which actively breaks up hardened ear wax and is probably the most effective product available without a prescription. Audax ear drops, as well as softening ear wax, contain the pain killer choline salicylate.
To view the full range of ear wax removers/softeners available from Pharmacy2U Click here.
What treatments are available from my doctor?
If non-prescription wax removing drops prove unsuccessful, the doctor will investigate further and may decide that syringing of the ears is necessary. This procedure may be performed by either the doctor or the practice nurse.Ear syringing is literally what it says - a syringing of the ear canal. A large syringe is used to direct a gentle stream of water along the ear canal to wash away any excess wax. Syringing is most effective if ear drops are used to soften the wax for a few days beforehand, and is not a painful procedure.
However, syringing is not always possible. Before the syringing is carried out the ears are examined to assess the quantity of wax, its position in the canal, and the condition of the ear drum. If the drum shows signs of damage caused by ear infections in the past, syringing will not be attempted; also, any indication of a current ear infection (if the ear drum looks red or inflamed), would also mean that syringing should not be carried out.
What additional investigations might be needed?
Hearing declines naturally as we all grow older; it is thought that much hearing loss in the older adult is attributable to wax obstructions. However, if hearing problems remain after any wax is removed, then more detailed investigations would be needed. Accurate testing of the hearing in both ears would be conducted together with other investigations to pinpoint the cause of the problem.Any other information I should have?
Ear wax is perfectly normal; it has an important part to play in maintaining the efficient functioning of the ear. Removing the wax should therefore only be attempted when there is a clear need to do so. If you are unsure about the nature of your symptoms, or the most suitable product to use, please contact either your own doctor or the Pharmacy2U pharmacist.Email Newsletter
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