1. Earwax Is Healthy
Earwax in general is a necessary byproduct of the ears as way to stave off infection and provides a protective shield to the ear from dust, debris and other small particle_temps that might enter into the ear canal. It also helps to maintain the proper acid balance inside the ear. Its technical name is cerumen. Even though we consider earwax as sign of lack of proper hygiene, it is nonetheless a valuable substance that helps to maintain a healthy ear. It is the ear's way of cleaning itself.
2. Behold the Color
Earwax can take on many different colors: yellow, black or brown. Black earwax is thought to be earwax that is old and has not been removed. It can sometimes resemble the color blood. There is also reason to support that black wax came from the use of ear candles. Research has shown that black earwax results after the individual has burned an ear candle in their ear to remove the wax. Beeswax of the candle combined with the burning pieces of the ear candle's fabric creates a black waxy material. It is this substance then that gets confused for originating in the individual when some studies have shown actually originated because of the use of an ear candle.
3. Beware of Ear Cones or Ear Candles
Even though ear cones or ear candles are often used to remove earwax, they can be potentially harmful to the health of the ear. Pharmacies as well as health food stores now sell these devices, which claim to get rid of deeply, lodged black earwax, like black wax and clear out sinuses. Medical research has yet to yield any studies that support these claims.
4. Remove It Properly
Earwax accumulates in the ear daily. Typical earwax is soft and yellow and can be removed with a damp cloth rubbed around the ear. In fact, medical literature cautions against using cotton swabs to clean out ears. They have been many reports that swabs further lodge particle_temps in the ear and run the risk of puncturing the eardrum when they are used with too much pressure. Since black earwax may be harder to remove than yellow earwax, you might have to contact your doctor so that he or she can remove it safely. By doing it yourself, you run the risk of inserting the earwax further deeply inside the ear canal. Since the ear canal lacks the necessary lubrication to push the wax back out, it stays lodged in there and hardens. A doctor is then needed to remove the built-up wax.
5. Danger of Black Ear Wax
Some people have ears that are more prone to developing wax. This may be due to the ear itself not being able to properly clean itself, working in a dusty environment, wearing hearing aids or have ears with a lot of hair inside the ear. If you suspect that you have black earwax and that it might be affecting your hearing or speech, contact your doctor.
