Ear wax

Ear wax

Earwax protects the ear from external stresses, and has an important function in the ear. Accumulation of earwax can, however, cause problems and discomfort.

What is earwax?

Earwax is a sticky, yellow-brown secretion that is secreted from glands in the outer ear. Earwax protects the ear canal against water damage, foreign objects and infections. There are several properties of earwax that have a protective effect. Earwax has a low pH which prevents the growth of bacteria. By laying like a membrane over the skin, it prevents foreign objects from reaching the ear. Dust and other impurities are also caught in the earwax.

Cause of earwax build-up?

Earwax is completely natural and important for maintaining good ear health. If, on the other hand, you get a build-up of clogged earwax, you have what is referred to as a wax plug. Using cotton buds predisposes to wax plugging because the earwax is compressed and further into the ear. Some also have a stronger production of earwax than others. These may naturally experience wax plugs more often. Using a hearing aid or earplugs can also lead to somewhat more frequent cases of wax plugs as it can prevent the natural flow of earwax out of the ear. The same applies to deformed ear canals.

Symptoms of earwax

Earwax has its place and function in the ear, and usually causes no symptoms. In case of accumulation of earwax, and possibly the formation of a wax plug, the following symptoms may be experienced:

• Loss of hearing

• Discomfort and/or pain in the ear

• Oresus

• Itch

• Dizziness

• Feeling of "stuff" in the ear

• Cough (rare)

Good advice

• Do not use cotton swabs to clean the ear canal. In addition to an increased risk of wax plugging, you can also damage the ear canal.

• When rinsing the ear, the water should be at body temperature. The reason is that too cold or too hot water can cause dizziness and discomfort because it affects the balance organ in the inner ear.

• It can be worthwhile to let the wax-dissolving treatment work overnight before rinsing, as it often gives the best effect.

Treatment of earwax

If earwax builds up in the ear, hard lumps can form. Then there may be a need to soften the wax plug for a day before possibly trying to rinse it out. There are over-the-counter preparations that can be sprayed or dripped into the ear.

Revaxør and Vaxol are examples of softening preparations. These contain oils that soften the plug so that it can be rinsed away more easily. Revaxør is available both as drops and spray, while Vaxol is only available in spray form. The earwax can then be rinsed out using an ear syringe or flushing balloon.

Untreated, wax plugs can increase the risk of ear infections. However, a third may experience that the wax plug loosens and goes out on its own within five days.

When should you contact a doctor for earwax?

If you do not achieve the desired effect of treating wax plugs, you should contact a doctor for stronger rinsing. Then you should use earwax-dissolving preparations for two to three days before your appointment with the doctor. If you have had problems or illness related to your ears in the past, it may be a good idea to clarify any self-treatment with a doctor first.