Removing Earwax: Is It Safe?

  • Thread starter Mk
  • Start date
In summary, the article in the link discusses the tradition of medical journals publishing humorous articles during the holiday season. It also mentions that while the preferred method for removing earwax is syringing, it should be done by a professional to avoid any damage to the ear. The author advises seeing a doctor for earwax removal rather than using a toy to do it yourself.
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  • #2
Mk said:
http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/full/173/12/1496
Would this be safe for me to do?

Short version : No.

Long version : That is a jocular article written in the pre-Xmas season. Some medical journals have a tradition of accepting amusing articles written half (or maybe 90 %, as in this case) in jest in their holiday season issue.

The preferred method of removing cerumen IS with syringing (after softening with oil), but it's better to let a professional do it with professional equipment. A low pressure jet must be used and it must not be directed straight at the tympanic membrane (TM) (aka the eardrum), or you'll perforate it. It should aim to gradually dislodge and suspend with lots of water at lower pressure directed obliquely at the walls rather than to blast anything with high pressure out of your external acoustic meatus.

So go see a doctor about cerumen, and give your kid/nephew back his toy.
 
  • #3


The safety of removing earwax depends on the method and tools used. It is generally recommended to avoid using cotton swabs or other objects to clean the ear canal, as this can push the wax deeper and potentially damage the eardrum. Instead, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional for safe and effective earwax removal. They may use techniques such as irrigation or suction to remove excess wax. It is also important to note that some people may have a higher risk of complications from earwax removal, such as those with a history of ear infections or a perforated eardrum. It is always best to seek professional advice before attempting to remove earwax on your own.
 

1. "Is it safe to remove earwax on my own?"

While it is generally safe to remove earwax on your own, it is important to do so carefully and with the proper tools. Using cotton swabs or other objects to remove earwax can actually push it further into the ear canal and cause damage. It is recommended to seek the help of a healthcare professional if you are unsure how to safely remove earwax.

2. "How often should I remove earwax?"

The frequency of earwax removal varies for each individual. Some people may need to remove earwax more frequently if they produce a lot of it, while others may not need to remove it as often. It is important to pay attention to any symptoms of earwax build-up, such as muffled hearing or ear pain, and remove earwax as needed.

3. "What are some safe methods for removing earwax?"

There are a few safe methods for removing earwax, such as using over-the-counter ear drops, irrigation with warm water, or having a healthcare professional use specialized tools to remove the earwax. It is important to avoid using objects like cotton swabs or hairpins to remove earwax, as they can cause damage to the ear canal.

4. "Can removing earwax cause damage to my ears?"

If done correctly, removing earwax should not cause any damage to your ears. However, using improper tools or techniques can cause injury to the ear canal or eardrum. It is important to follow proper guidelines and seek professional help if needed when removing earwax.

5. "Are there any potential risks or complications associated with removing earwax?"

In some cases, removing earwax can cause temporary discomfort or irritation. If you have a history of ear problems or are prone to ear infections, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before attempting to remove earwax on your own. In rare cases, removal of earwax can lead to more serious complications, such as injury to the eardrum or infection. It is important to always follow safe and proper methods for removing earwax to minimize any potential risks or complications.

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