This blog addresses some myths and misconceptions about earwax, with many people resorting to harmful and ineffective methods to clear their ears. In this blog, we'll separate fact from fiction and explore the truths about earwax removal.
Myth #1: Cotton swabs are a safe and effective way to clean your ears. Cotton swabs, or Q-tips, are a common household item that many people use to clean their ears. However, using cotton swabs to clean your ears can actually be harmful. The swab can push the earwax deeper into the ear canal, leading to blockages, infections, and even perforated eardrums. Moreover, the swab can scratch the sensitive skin inside your ear, leading to pain, discomfort and infection.
Fact: It is recommended that you do not use cotton swabs to clean your ears. Instead, clean the outer part of your ear with a damp cloth or tissue. If you feel like you have a buildup of earwax, visit your doctor for safe removal.
Myth #2: Ear candling is a natural and effective way to remove earwax. Ear candling involves inserting a hollow candle into the ear canal and lighting it on fire, supposedly creating a vacuum that removes earwax. However, this method has been widely debunked as ineffective and dangerous. There is no scientific evidence to support the claims of ear candling, and it can actually cause burns, blockages, and even hearing loss.
Fact: Ear candling is not a safe or effective method for earwax removal. It is important to consult a doctor or audiologist for safe and effective removal methods.
Myth #3: Earwax is a sign of poor hygiene. Many people believe that earwax is a sign of poor hygiene, but this is not true. Earwax is a natural substance that helps keep our ears clean and healthy. In fact, cleaning your ears too often can actually strip away the natural oils that protect your ear canal, leading to dryness, itching, and even infection.
Fact: Earwax is a natural substance that should not be removed too often. If you are experiencing discomfort or hearing loss, consult your doctor for safe removal methods.
Myth #4: Earwax removal is a painful procedure. Many people are hesitant to have their earwax removed because they think it will be a painful procedure. However, earwax removal is usually a painless procedure that only takes a few minutes. Your doctor has the skill and training to painlessly remove earwax. Using a microscope, he will use safe and effective methods to remove the earwax, such as suction, irrigation, or specialized tools.
Fact: Earwax removal is usually a painless and quick procedure.
Myth #5: Earwax removal is not safe at home. Earwax removal can be safely performed at home using the water irrigation method as recommended by the American Academy of Otolaryngology. Avoid earwax removal kits that contain tools you stick in your ear. This includes steel picks, spiral pick tools and ear cleaner cameras which require a level of training and skill to use and understand what you are seeing.
Fact: Earwax removal is safe at home when the water irrigation method is used.
Myth #6: Mineral Oil or Olive Oil will remove my earwax. Mineral oil is one of the safest products you can put in your ear but it does not dissolve earwax. It works well to soften and loosen earwax so that it may more easily be flushed from your ear canal.
Fact: Mineral oil does not dissolve earwax.
Myth #7: Earwax can cause permanent hearing loss. While impacted earwax can cause a “conductive” hearing loss or muffling of sound because of blockage of the ear canal, it will not result in a permanent hearing loss. This temporary hearing loss can easily be corrected by removing the earwax.
Myth #8: Loud noises will cause an increased wax production to help protect your hearing. Loud noises will not cause increased earwax production but can result in a permanent hearing loss. Increased wax production does appear to be stimulated by items such as earbuds, earplugs and hearing aids that come in contact with the skin of the ear canal.
In conclusion, earwax removal is an important part of maintaining ear health, but it is important to separate fact from fiction when it comes to safe and effective removal methods. Avoid harmful and ineffective methods such as cotton swabs and ear candles, and consult your doctor for safe removal.