Is earwax a mess that needs to be removed? No, it's not! This unfair label has us reaching for cotton swabs, ear candles, and other strange objects to get rid of it. But in reality, this sticky substance is your ear's guardian.
Sulfur is the most useful thing for the ears
Despite all its questionable aesthetics, earwax has a super important job: keeping the ear healthy and protecting it from infections.
It protects the ear from bacteria, creates an acidic environment (low pH), which prevents the growth of bacteria and fungi. It traps dust, dead skin cells and small foreign particles, preventing them from getting deeper into the eardrum. And also, for example, protects against insects that accidentally fly inside. In addition, sulfur lubricates the ear canals, preventing dryness and itching.
Some people have more wax than they should. This may be due to individual characteristics (overactive glands), a narrow or tortuous ear canal, or the use of hearing aids or earbuds that prevent the natural flow of wax. In this case, you should see a doctor!
Cotton swabs are harmful to the ears
Ah, this shameful pleasure of cleaning your ear with a cotton swab. But it's better not to! The swab pushes the wax closer to the eardrum. And that's not at all useful. Yes, look, and a wax plug will form.
A sulfur plug should be removed by a doctor.
If you experience symptoms such as dizziness, loss of balance, or sudden hearing loss, see a doctor!
Removing the plug yourself at home can be dangerous. A doctor will do this professionally and safely using irrigation, special instruments, or aspiration.
Chewing helps move sulfur
Here's how it works: Every time you chew or move your jaw, you help push old earwax out. The ear canals clean themselves.
Ear candles are dangerous
There is no evidence that they work. But there is a lot of evidence that they are dangerous. It is a pseudoscientific method, the effectiveness of which has not been proven by any clinical studies.
People using ear candles have burned themselves, clogged their ear canals, and even punctured their eardrums.
Ears are self-cleaning
For the vast majority of people, the self-cleaning mechanism of the ear works perfectly. The best way to care for your ears is to leave them alone. Simply wash the outer part of the ear (the pinna) with soap and water and dry it with a towel.
