The following article was suggested by one of our readers—if there's an idea you would like us to cover, please submit it here.

Do you wonder if it’s good to remove all the earwax from your ears? Can you tell when wax is piled up and needs removing? Maybe you are not even certain about the right equipment to use to wipe out ear wax.

Health experts explain in-depth about earwax impaction, its causes, symptoms, treatment, and so forth.

According to Dr Aaron Gasore, an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist at Rwamagana Provincial Hospital, earwax, also known by the medical term ‘cerumen’, is a hydrophobic protective covering in the ear canal. It acts as a shield to the skin of the external canal from water damage, infection, trauma, and foreign bodies.

Earwax impaction, he says, is when the earwax builds up enough to cause symptoms. Having too much ear wax can cause symptoms such as pain and impaired hearing. Young children and older adults are more likely to have earwax impaction than others.

Causes of earwax impaction

"Some health problems can affect the shape of the inside of the ear, and make it hard for wax to move out. For example, skin problems that cause skin cells to shed a lot can lead to wax build-up in the ears,” Gasore says.

He says that in some people, ear canals are narrower than in others. These people might be more likely to have earwax impaction.

The ENT expert says that as people get older, their earwax gets harder and thicker. This makes it difficult for the wax to move out of the ear as it should.

But also, poor cleaning habits such as using cotton swabs or other tools can actually push the wax deeper into the ear instead of getting it out. Overtime, this can cause earwax impaction.

Dr Joseph Ryarasa Nkurunziza, the Chairperson of Health Development Initiative Rwanda-HDI, says that excessive earwax can lead to hearing loss and loss of balance which are among the most common dangers.

How to tell you have earwax build up?

 Dr Nkurunziza says that you can know that you have earwax build-up when you experience an earache or feel that your ear is full, and also tingling noises, dizziness and cough. The last two symptoms are linked to the throat and nose since these two body parts are linked to the ear. 

"The inside of the ears do not usually need to be cleaned. Sticking anything into the ears can push the wax deeper and cause impaction. Ear candling— an alternative remedy that some people use to draw out impurities and wax from the inner ear—is not recommended for earwax removal as it can cause ear injuries and burns,” Gasore says.

Treatment/remedies

Gasore says that there are several treatments to remove impacted earwax. Doctors and nurses with expertise and equipment, usually otolaryngologists, offer these treatments only to people who have symptoms. They may decide to remove wax in patients who are unable to point out symptoms, such as very young children, and people who have trouble speaking, including older adults.

To unblock the ear, doctors recommend medication based on the severity of the blockage, usually a liquid eardrop is recommended and either tablets or syrup for any other symptoms that may have occurred, such fever and cough, Nkurunziza notes. 

 Self-care at home 

Nkurunziza points out that some of the most common home remedies that could unblock a blocked ear include; glycerine, baby oil and hydrogen peroxide. Once the wax has softened which usually happens within a day or two, clean out the excessive earwax "gently” and if possible, seek medical attention to ensure the build-up has been broken down completely.

When to seek medical assistance

Nkurunziza says that usually, it is advisable to seek medical attention whenever one feels any form of discomfort, such as pain, hearing loss, high fever or any other symptom. In most cases, symptoms tend to be mild, however, if not treated, they could lead to long terms effects such as permanent hearing loss. 

 Ways to remove earwax

Gasore says that special ear drops can soften earwax and help it to drain out. Ear drops are not usually safe for people with an ear infection or damage to the eardrum. In some cases, a doctor or nurse can remove impacted earwax by squirting water (or a special liquid) into the ear to rinse it out.

He adds that there are different types of tools that can remove wax safely. These include; small sticks, hooks, and spoons. There are also tools that use suction to pull the wax out. If wax removal is done by an unprofessional person or inexperienced person, some complications are possible, for instance; allergic reactions, earache, dizziness, maceration of the skin and potential infection, tympanic membrane perforation, hearing loss, and tinnitus (ringing or buzzing noise in one or both ears that may be constant or come and go, often associated with hearing loss).