Earwax Cleaning: 5 Disturbing Consequences of Removing it Incorrectly

Overview

Earwax, often viewed as an unwanted nuisance, is surprisingly crucial for ear health. Many people habitually clean their ears, believing it to be a necessary hygiene practice. However, the truth about earwax and the consequences of its removal might shock you.

In this post, we will delve into the natural role of earwax, common ear-cleaning methods, and the significant risks associated with improper ear care. By the end, you’ll understand why it’s essential to approach ear hygiene with caution and seek professional advice when necessary.

The Vital Role of Earwax

Earwax, or cerumen, is a natural substance produced by glands in the ear canal. It serves several several essential functions:

1. Protection: It traps dust, dirt, and other foreign particles, preventing them from reaching the delicate structures of the inner ear.

2. Lubrication: It keeps the skin of the ear canal moisturized, preventing dryness and itching.

3. Antibacterial Properties: It contains enzymes that help fight off bacteria and fungi, reducing the risk of infections.

Despite its importance, many people believe earwax is dirty and needs to be removed regularly. This misconception leads to various methods of ear cleaning, some of which can be harmful.

Common Practices for Removing Earwax

Several methods are commonly used to clean earwax, including:

1. Cotton Swabs: Often used to remove earwax, cotton swabs can push wax deeper into the ear canal, leading to blockages.

2. Ear Candles: This alternative therapy involves placing a hollow candle in the ear and lighting it, supposedly drawing out earwax. However, ear candles are not only ineffective but also pose significant risks.

3. Over-the-Counter Drops: These solutions are designed to soften earwax, making it easier to remove naturally. While generally safe, they should be used as directed to avoid complications.

The 5 Disturbing Consequences of Improper Ear Cleaning 

Cleaning earwax improperly or excessively can lead to several serious issues:

1. Ear Infections: Earwax serves as a natural defense mechanism against bacterial and fungal infections, owing to its acidic nature, and disrupting the natural barrier provided by earwax can lead to infection in the ear canal.

Trying to extract earwax with unsterilized instruments or hands that are not thoroughly clean greatly raises the risk of introducing harmful bacteria into the ear canal. This can result in painful infections, swelling, itchiness, and, in severe cases, hearing loss.

2. Ear Canal Injuries: The ear canal, a sensitive component of our auditory system, requires careful handling. Using objects like cotton swabs can cause abrasions or perforations in the ear canal or eardrum.

Removing earwax without professional guidance can inadvertently cause harm. Poor visibility and difficulty judging depth may lead to injuries which can result in infections, hearing impairment, and lasting damage that surpasses the brief discomfort of earwax accumulation.

3. Impacted Earwax: Despite efforts to remove earwax at home, it’s common to inadvertently push it further into the ear canal. Pushing earwax deeper into the ear can cause it to become impacted, leading to discomfort, hearing loss, and tinnitus.

Improper use of items such as a cotton bud, hair pin, or toothpick can result in impacted wax, which becomes hard to extract and may form a blockage. This obstruction can increase the likelihood of recurrent ear infections, and in severe instances, may require professional intervention to safely remove the impacted wax under specialized conditions.

4. Damage the Ear Canal: The ear canal is coated with small, hair-like structures known as cilia, which assist in naturally pushing ear wax outward. Applying excessive force during ear cleaning can harm these delicate cilia, impairing their ability to function and interrupting the natural self-cleaning process.

This damage can upset the balance of ear wax production, leading to excessive wax accumulation or dryness, potentially causing discomfort and making the ears more prone to infections.

5. Ear Candles: Using ear candles carries significant safety risks, including burns to the face, hair, ears, and eardrums. This can result in complications like temporary hearing impairment and external otitis, a painful infection of the outer area.

Research indicates that ear candles can even exacerbate earwax blockage by causing melted wax to accumulate, potentially necessitating surgical intervention. Inserting a foreign object into the ear canal, especially one that is lit aflame, can result in injuries such as punctured eardrums, burns to the ear canal, and ear infections.

Insights from Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare experts strongly advise against the routine removal of earwax. According to an article published by Penn Medicine, the American Academy of Otolaryngology advises that earwax should only be removed if it causes symptoms or interferes with ear examinations. Harvard Health also highlights three compelling reasons to leave earwax alone:

1. Natural Cleaning Mechanism: The ear is self-cleaning. Chewing and jaw movements help transport earwax from the ear canal to the outer ear, where it can be washed away.

2. Risk of Damage: Inserting objects into the ear can damage the sensitive skin of the ear canal or the eardrum.

3. Preventing Infections: Maintaining earwax helps prevent infections by trapping and inhibiting the growth of harmful microorganisms.

The presence of earwax does not indicate that the ears are ‘dirty’; it is a natural and essential part of ear canal function.

Proper Ear Care

Given the risks of improper ear cleaning, it’s essential to follow proper ear care practices. Here are some tips from experts:

1. Let Your Ears Clean Themselves

The ear is designed to clean itself naturally. The movement of your jaw helps to push old earwax from the ear canal to the ear opening, where it will eventually fall out or be washed away. Allow this natural process to occur without interference.

2. Avoid Inserting Objects to Your Ears

Avoid using cotton swabs, hairpins, or any other objects to clean your ears. Inserting objects can push earwax deeper, cause injuries, and increase the risk of infection.

3. Use Ear Drops Sparingly and as Directed

If you choose to use ear drops, follow the instructions carefully. Use them only as needed and avoid excessive use, which can lead to irritation and other complications.

4. Consult a Healthcare Professional

If you experience symptoms like hearing loss, ear pain, or a feeling of fullness in the ear, consult a healthcare professional. They can safely remove impacted earwax and address any underlying issues.

5. Maintain Overall Ear Hygiene

While you should avoid inserting objects into your ears, it’s essential to maintain general ear hygiene. Gently wash the outer ear with a washcloth and avoid using soap inside the ear canal.

Final Thoughts

Earwax plays a crucial role in maintaining ear health by protecting, lubricating, and providing antibacterial benefits. Common practices for cleaning it, such as using cotton swabs or ear candles can lead to serious complications, including infections, injuries and impacted earwax. Removing or extracting earwax without a medical need can result in complications within the depths of your ear.

Healthcare professionals recommend allowing earwax to perform its natural function and only seeking removal if it causes symptoms or is medically advised. By understanding the role of earwax and the risks associated with improper cleaning, you can better care for your ears and avoid unnecessary complications. Remember, earwax is not the enemy, it’s a vital part of your ear’s defense system.

If you experience issues with earwax or are unsure about how to care for your ears, consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice. Avoid attempting to remove earwax at home, especially with invasive methods.

FAQs

Q1. Can cleaning earwax with cotton swabs cause damage?

• Yes, using cotton swabs can push earwax deeper into the ear canal, leading to blockages, infections, and potential damage to the eardrum.

Q2. Are ear candles safe for removing earwax?

• No, ear candles are not safe. They can cause burns, ear canal blockages, and even puncture the eardrum, leading to serious injuries.

Q3. How does earwax naturally get removed from the ear?

• The ear is self-cleaning. Movements of the jaw, such as chewing, help transport earwax from the ear canal to the outer ear, where it can be washed away naturally.

Q4. When should I see a doctor about earwax?

• Consult a doctor if you experience symptoms like hearing loss, ear pain, or a feeling of fullness in the ear, as these could indicate impacted earwax or other issues.

Q5. What is the best way to care for my ears?

• The best way to care for your ears is to let them maintain their natural cleaning process. Avoid inserting objects into the ear canal, and consult a healthcare professional for any concerns.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical concerns and proper ear care.

References:

1. Lifestyle Hearing Solutions | The Hidden Dangers of DIY Ear Wax Removal.
2. Soundlife | The Danger of Ear Candle to Clean Your Ears.
3. Penn Medicine | Time to Quit Removing Wax from Our Ears.
4. Harvard Health Publishing | 3 reasons to leave ear wax alone.