DEAR DR. GOTT:
I have a problem with dried ear wax in my outer ears, especially when it settles in the small crevices and is painful to remove. I’m a 77-year-old female who has always had lots of ear wax, but it used to be soft and could be removed easily. How does the wax flow out when it is dry and brittle? Is there anything that can help?
DEAR READER:
Ear wax is secreted by glands in the skin that line the canals of the ears. Its purpose is to trap dirt and slow the growth of bacteria. Why some individuals seem to produce more wax than others is unknown. Blockages can occur when people attempt to clean their ears themselves, most often with the aid of swabs. As a general rule, this process simply pushes any wax into the ear canal and against the drum causing pain, fullness and hearing loss. The practice should never be done.
There are safe, practical solutions for removal. You can try using mineral oil, baby oil, Debrox or Murine Ear Drops, which soften the wax allowing it to be removed easily with a bulb syringe filled with warm water to flush the wax out. This method is similar to that used by physicians and shouldn’t harm the ear drum. There are also products that can be used every four to eight weeks as a preventive.
A much safer and recommended method is to make an appointment with your physician. While this might appear to be unnecessary, your physician can examine the outer ear, remove any wax with a small instrument, or flush it away. He or she can also determine if the debris you claim is painful to remove is truly wax. There are several ear conditions that can cause dried skin build-up that resembles wax. In my opinion, this is a more likely cause of your ear problem and may require prescription creams.
Your hearing is extremely important so don’t attempt to insert any instruments into the ear canal yourself. A rule of thumb is never to put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Ear Infections and Disorders”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped, number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
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