ear wax
Cerumen, commonly known as ear wax, is a yellow thick substance secreted in the ear canal of humans and many other mammals. Ear wax protects the ear canal from bacteria, fungi, insects, and water. It actually assists in cleaning and lubrication of the ear. Its major function is to trap dust or any small particles from reaching the ear drum. Normally, if much ear wax is collected it falls down with any trapped dust or other particles.
Ear wax is produced in the cartilaginous portion of the ear canal. Ear wax is basically made up of 60 % of keratin, 12% to 20 % of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids and alcohol, and 5% to 6% of cholesterol. Fear, stress, and anxiety can increase the production of ear wax in the ear canal. There are two types of ear wax—wet type and dry type. The consistency of wet type ear wax is due to a higher concentration of lipid and pigment granules than in the dry type of wax.
Blockage can happen when ear wax is pushed well into the ear canal. This is one of the most common ear problems noted by doctors. This usually happens due to the use of napkin corners, cotton tipped ear buds, pens, or other similar objects to clean the ears. People who use hearing aids or ear plugs are also more prone to ear wax blockage problems.
Some common symptoms which these people experience are decreased hearing, dizziness, and pain and ringing in the ear. There are many methods of removing ear wax. There are many ear wax removal home remedies, but the best option is to get an ENT doctor to remove it for you. The doctor may remove the ear wax with a small plastic spoon called a curette or by irrigating the ear with warm water, saline solution, or sodium bicarbonate.
A healthy ear would clean the ear wax on its own. Tiny hairs that line the ear canal would remove the extra ear wax on regular basis. But when you try to put your finger a swab, or other foreign object into the ear canal, it would push the ear wax deep inside the ear and might create problems.
You should immediately consult a doctor if you suffer from a perforated ear drum, drainage in the ear, severe pain in the ear, fever, and continuing hearing loss. If you experience a spinning sensation, severe fever, and an inability to walk, you should urgently consult your doctor. The doctor will diagnose the problem by observing your symptoms and looking into your ear with an otoscope.
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