All articles tagged with #earwax
A woman discovers her hearing loss was caused by earwax buildup, which was easily treatable, highlighting the importance of proper diagnosis and communication about hearing issues in families. The article also discusses the challenges of addressing hearing loss in loved ones and the importance of patience and gentle encouragement.
A study suggests that volatile organic compounds in earwax could serve as early indicators of Parkinson's disease, with an AI system achieving over 94% accuracy in identifying affected individuals, potentially leading to simpler, earlier diagnosis methods.
Dr. Tonia L. Farmer, an Ohio-based ear, nose, and throat surgeon, advises against using cotton swabs for ear cleaning as they push wax deeper into the ear canal, causing impaction. Instead, she recommends using a moist washcloth to clean the outer ear and suggests wax-softening agents like mineral oil or hydrogen peroxide for stubborn buildup. She warns against trendy earwax removal tools and emphasizes the importance of professional cleanings to prevent ear issues.
Audiologists are warning against TikTok trends promoting DIY ear cleaning using chemicals and tiny tools, emphasizing that the ear is self-cleaning and attempts to remove earwax at home could lead to damage or infection. They advise against using cotton buds or other objects to remove wax and recommend seeking professional help for earwax removal, as the ear is delicate and designed to clean itself naturally.
Experts advise against using cotton swabs to clean out your ears as they are self-cleaning organs. Earwax serves important functions such as protecting the ear canal, blocking foreign particles, and preventing bacterial and fungal growth. The texture of earwax varies based on genetics, with wet earwax more common in people of African and European descent, and dry earwax more common in those of East Asian and Native American descent. Under normal circumstances, manual cleaning of the ears is not necessary as the ear's natural self-cleaning system works effectively. However, if there is discomfort or excessive build-up, using mineral oil or carbamide peroxide at home can help soften and loosen excess wax. Seek medical attention if experiencing hearing loss, severe ear pain, vertigo, or ear drainage, as these symptoms may indicate a more serious condition.
Bodily secretions such as pus, saliva, bile, cerumen (earwax), smegma, rheum, sebum, and mucus are part of daily life. Pus is a sign of an infection requiring antibiotics, saliva helps in digestion and keeps the mouth clean, bile helps digest fat, cerumen protects the ear canal, smegma is a lubricant for the genitals, rheum is mucus discharged from the eyes, sebum keeps the skin and hair moist, and mucus protects against damage by pathogens.