Worried about earwax/cerumen? Let's get to the bottom of this!

Although earwax can sometimes be a nuisance, did you know that it is actually very important for the health of our ears? However, sometimes this earwax can accumulate in excess and cause problems. So, today we will talk in detail about this earwax, or in medical terms, `(Cerumen)`.

What is earwax? Why does it form in our ears?

Simply put, earwax is a natural buildup in the outer part of our ear, the tube-like part that extends a short distance from the ear canal (the external auditory canal). This is not just any dirt. This earwax is a combination of secretions from special glands inside our ears and dead skin cells. Now you might be wondering, "Then why does this earwax form?" There are several reasons for this. Think of it like a little protective cover for our ears.

• Protects the eardrum: These help keep the inner ear canal moist, like a ``waterproof lining``. This prevents things like germs and bacteria from entering the ear and causing infections.
• It traps small objects: Earwax helps prevent objects like dust and small insects from getting inside the ear and damaging the eardrum. They get stuck in the earwax and get stuck.

So you get the idea, right? Earwax is part of our body's natural defense mechanism. So it's good to have a little earwax.

How do you get earwax out of your ear? Is this normal?

Our ears are designed to clean themselves. Isn't it amazing? Yes, when we talk, eat, and move our ears, this dirt inside the ear is gradually pushed out of the ear. The dirt that comes out dries out, sometimes just falls out, or is washed away when we bathe. That means that most people's ears don't need special cleaning. Since new dirt is constantly being produced inside the ear, there is always enough dirt in the ear. That's a natural process.

So, how does earwax become a problem? (Earwax Impaction)

Okay, so why do some people have earwax problems? It's called earwax impaction. There are several reasons why this can happen:

• Some people naturally produce more earwax in their ears.
• For people with narrow ear canals, it is difficult for dirt to come out easily.
• As you get older, earwax can become a little drier and thicker, making it less likely to come out.
• People with large amounts of ear hair are also more likely to get dirt stuck in their ears.
• The most important thing is that there are some things we do wrong. For example, ``(Cotton Buds)`` or as we call it, putting cotton buds in our ears. This causes dirt to be pushed further in instead of coming out.
• For those who regularly wear earplugs or use hearing aidsIt may interfere with the waste coming out.

How to tell if you have earwax stuck in your ear? Be aware of these symptoms!

If you have earwax stuck in your ear, you may experience one or more of these symptoms:

• Ear pain (otalgia) : Sometimes it can be severe.
• A feeling of something being filled inside the ear : as if the ear is heavy.
• Hearing loss : You may suddenly feel like you are losing your hearing, or you may feel like your hearing is getting much quieter.
• Hearing different sounds in the ears (`(tinnitus)`) : A sound like a "ringing..." or a chirping sound.
• Vertigo : Some people may feel dizzy when their ears become clogged.
• Cough : Although rare, earwax can stimulate a nerve and cause a cough.
• Itchy ear : A feeling of itching inside the ear.
• A foul odor or fluid coming from the ear : This often happens if dirt gets trapped and an infection develops.

If you have any of these symptoms, don't take it lightly. It could be due to earwax.

What are the things we should avoid doing to remove earwax? Avoid these mistakes!

This is the most important part. Some things we do out of ignorance can cause great damage to our ears.

• Avoid using `(Cotton Buds)`!

Please, never try to remove earwax by putting cotton buds or similar things inside your ear. Think of it this way, the earwax inside your ear is like a little paste. When you put a cotton bud in, the paste is pushed further in. Then the earwax can get stuck right next to the eardrum. Sometimes, the eardrum can be injured. Therefore, it is best to use cotton buds only to clean the outer surface of the ear.

• Do not use ear candles!

This is also something some people do. But there is no scientific evidence that this removes earwax. Not only that, but it can also cause burns to the face, earwax dripping into the ear, and eardrum damage.

• Don't put sharp objects in your ears!

Do not insert any sharp objects into your ear, such as key rings, hairpins, or pen tips. These can cause damage to the skin in your ear, cause bleeding, cause infection, and even puncture your eardrum. This is very dangerous.

• Don't go to the dentist too often!

As we discussed earlier, the ear can clean itself. Frequent ear cleaning or putting water inside the ear can only weaken its natural defenses and lead to infections.

If you have a little excess earwax at home, what can you do safely?

Okay, now you feel like you have a little too much earwax and are having a little trouble, but you can try this at home only if you don't have any problems like ear pain, fluid leaking from the ear, or if you have previously had a perforated eardrum .

• Using earwax softening drops:

There are ear drops that can be purchased at the pharmacy (such as Cerumol and Waxsol). Alternatively, you can use olive oil, baby oil, coconut oil (purified), or glycerin.

• How to do it: Tilt your head to one side, keeping your ear up. Then, place a few drops (2-3) of your chosen solution in your ear. Hold for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the solution to penetrate well into your ear. Doing this two or three times a day for a few days will soften the stuck wax and may even come out.
• Gentle ear irrigation (`(Gentle Irrigation)`) :

Once the wax has softened, you can sometimes use a small rubber bulb syringe (available from a pharmacy) to squirt a little lukewarm (about body temperature) clean water into the ear and try to dislodge the wax. But this should also be done very carefully. Don't rush through the water. If you feel any pain in your ear, stop.

Important: If you do not feel any better after a few days of these home remedies, or if your symptoms worsen, be sure to see a doctor.

When should you definitely see a doctor for earwax?

There are some situations where we should seek medical advice directly rather than trying to treat it at home. These are some of the situations:

• If you have severe ear pain .
• If you suddenly lose your hearing or it becomes very weak.
• If there is a fluid that looks like pus or blood coming out of the ear .
• If you have a fever (this could be a sign of an infection).
• If the condition does not improve or worsens after home care.
• If you have previously had your eardrum pierced or had ear surgery.
• If you have a disease such as diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) or if you have a weakened immune system (people like this are more likely to develop infections).

In a situation like this, it is best to see a doctor as soon as possible, especially an ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT Surgeon).

How does a doctor remove earwax?

When you go to a doctor, they will first examine your ear with an instrument called an ``otoscope.'' This allows you to see inside the ear. If there is earwax stuck in your ear, there are several methods that doctors use to remove it:

• Manual Removal with Special Instruments: Using special instruments such as a curette, loop, or forceps, the doctor can carefully remove the debris.
• Suction (`(Microsuction)`): This involves inserting a small tube into the ear and sucking out the debris. This is a very safe method.
• Ear irrigation (`(Syringing/Irrigation)`): Sometimes, a special device uses a controlled stream of water to flush out debris. This is also much safer when performed by a doctor.

A doctor will use one or more of these methods to remove the wax stuck in your ear.

Can earwax be prevented from accumulating again?

Actually, it is impossible to completely stop earwax from forming because it is a natural process. However, there are things we can do to prevent earwax from getting stuck.

• The first and most important thing is to avoid putting things like ``Cotton Buds'' inside your ears. This is the biggest mistake that many people make.
• If you have a chronic earwax problem, you can talk to your doctor and use earwax-softening drops, perhaps once a week, as recommended by your doctor. However, this is something you should consult with your doctor about.
• If you use hearing aids, it is important to clean them properly and have your ears checked by a doctor at regular intervals .

Remember, the ear is a very sensitive organ, so it is our responsibility to take care of it.

Take-Home Message from What We've Been Talking About

Well, we've talked a lot about earwax today, haven't we? Here are some things you should definitely remember from all of this:

• Earwax is a natural protective substance that protects our ears, so having a little earwax is not a problem.
• Never, under any circumstances, insert cotton buds or other sharp objects into your ear to remove debris. This will do more harm than good.
• If you experience symptoms like ear pain, hearing loss, or ringing in the ears, it could be due to earwax buildup. So be aware of that.
• If home remedies don't help, or if your symptoms are severe, be sure to see a doctor, especially an ear, nose, and throat specialist.
• Our ears can clean themselves most of the time, so don't try to clean them too often.

So, I hope this article has answered your questions about earwax. Take care of your ears!