$Unique_ID{BRK00773}
$Pretitle{Nervous System and Sense Organs}
$Title{What is the Best Treatment for a Problem With Ear Wax Hardening?}
$Subject{ears wax removal aging}
$Volume{F-21}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is the Best Treatment for a Problem With Ear Wax Hardening?


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QUESTION:  I am 80 years old and have a problem with wax hardening in my ears.
When I stand up I sometimes will partially lose my balance.  What is the best
treatment for this condition?

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ANSWER:  I doubt that there is one "best" treatment, but I can describe a
number of do's and dont's that may help you out of this bothersome situation.
At this stage of the game, when you are already experiencing some balance
problems, you will need the help of your family doctor to extract that wax
plug which may be the cause of the situation.  A careful examination of the
ear canal is necessary to help make a proper decision as to the manner of
removing the wax.  If all seems in good state, without any injuries to your
ear drum, or any signs of infection, your physician may choose to irrigate
your ear with a jet of warm water, which can dislodge the plug and wash it
out.  If it is truly hardened in place, it may be necessary to use an
instrument, called a blunt curet, to roll the wax ball out of its present
location.  Sometimes a few drops of glycerin or mineral oil may be placed in
the ear first, followed by a dropper full of 3% peroxide, in an attempt to
soften the wax mass.  If this should be unsuccessful, you may have to continue
to use these drops at home for a few days, to soften the wax sufficiently to
enable the physician to remove it without injuring your ear.  There are some
"wax softeners" on the market, but many physicians feel that they may damage
the fragile tissue found in the ear canal, or provoke allergic reactions.
After the wax is removed, a full examination should be performed to determine
that it was the wax plug that caused your balance troubles, and a schedule of
regular home treatments with 3% hydrogen peroxide each month, can prevent this
from recurring.  Whatever you do, don't try to remove this hardened wax plug
yourself, with a paper clip or other such "instrument".  Even cotton swabs can
be dangerous.  This is one time when your doctor visit will provide you with
the relief you are seeking, in the safest possible fashion.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
