1. Earwax Is Not Dirty
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. Its technical name, cerumen is derived because earwax is secreted by glands inside the ear canal called the ceruminous glands. Even though we might find earwax to be unattractive and a reflection of one's hygiene practices, it is nonetheless a valuable substance that helps to maintain a healthy ear. It is the ears' self-cleaning mechanism that maintains the health of the ear and protects the ear canal from infection.
2. Brown Is Just a Color
Earwax can take on many different colors: yellow, black, orange or brown. Its color holds no special meaning. Thus far, science has made no determination that the color of the earwax means anything in particular. Some health professionals believe that darker wax like brown, black or wax that resembles the color of blood is older wax that has resided in the ear. Black earwax is suspected to be the cause of using earwax candles in some cases.
3. It Accumulates Daily
Whether your earwax is brown in color or yellow, it accumulates daily. Produced in the outer portion of the ear canal, it forms a sticky substance containing debris and natural particle_temps used to fight off infection. According to the University of Michigan, earwax moves outward as we swallow and chew and it is also pushed along as the inner lining of the ear canal sheds and grows new cells. We experience this by noticing an accumulation of earwax at the opening of the ear about every other day.
4. Remove It Properly
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. Cleaning out lodged earwax runs the risk of inserting the earwax further deeper 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. Earwax that has been impacted may cause hearing loss or other problems, like ringing in the ears or tinnitus. A doctor is then needed to remove the built-up wax. Home treatment kits are recommended by some doctors, particularly pediatricians, for children who accumulate excess earwax.
5. Heed the Dangers of Self-removal
In 2008, a Canadian man died of an infection after he pierced his eardrum after using a cotton swab to clean his ear. The perforation caused an infection from his outer ear to spread to his ear canal and brain. It is therefore necessary to heed the warnings on the cotton swab package and not penetrate the ear too deeply with the cotton swab or apply excess pressure when cleaning out the ear. It is particularly necessary to exercise extreme caution when cleaning out the ears of babies or young children.
