What is earwax?
Earwax is a secretion from glands in the ear canal. Wax helps to trap dust and other particles and prevent them from entering deep into the canal. Wax also has a protective function in preventing bacterial and fungal infections in the ear canal. Wax may be of the hard or soft type. The type of wax an individual has is unique to that person. Usually the wax empties out of the ear canal by a process called epithelial migration (movement of dead skin).
Wax helps to trap dust and other particles and prevent them from entering deep into the canal – The type of wax an individual has is unique to that person – Earbuds may push the wax deeper into the canal thereby causing more discomfort
Can a person self clean his / her ears for earwax?
Self cleaning is NOT recommended. Use of earbuds or other objects can be detrimental as it may push the wax deeper into the canal thereby causing more discomfort.
Hard wax may cause pain / discomfort or can reduce hearing in some instances. Seeking medical attention is the best way forward in such a case. Wax softeners are usually used to tend to the crisis for a few days.
