$Unique_ID{BRK01265}
$Pretitle{Special Procedures and Laboratory Tests, Nervous System and Sense
Organs}
$Title{Can Cleaning Earwax Cause Any Harm?}
$Subject{ears wax treatment}
$Volume{P-21, F-21}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Can Cleaning Earwax Cause Any Harm?


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QUESTION:  Despite my words of caution about it, my daughter is forever
cleaning the wax out my grandson's ears.  It is almost a fetish with her.  Can
pushing this type of cleanliness to extremes cause any harm?

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ANSWER:  Believe it or not, earwax is an important body fluid that performs an
important function.  It helps to keep the ear canal moist and to trap dirt as
it enters the ear.  When the wax moves to the outside part of the ear canal,
we can then clean it and remove the dirt it has trapped.  While its very
important to keep ears washed, using cotton swabs to remove normal earwax can
actually cause the wax to build up on the eardrum and lead to excessive
amounts within the ear.  This can sometimes lead to a decrease in hearing.
     When excessive wax build up occurs repeatedly, using an over the counter
non-prescription eardrops will help to keep the wax soft, which enables it to
work its way out of the canal in a normal fashion.  Should any problems with
ears arise, it's time to consult the physician for an examination.  Remember,
using any object to poke about in the ear can puncture the eardrum or irritate
the ear canal causing serious problems.

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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.
