The ear plug is the consequence of a glandular hypersecretion or is linked to alterations in the physiological flow of the ear wax from the inside of the ear towards the auricle.
Earwax plugs can cause ringing in the ears (tinnitus), autophony, reduced hearing, earache, full ear feeling and dizziness.
The published material is intended to allow quick access to advice, suggestions and general remedies that doctors and textbooks usually dispense for the treatment of Earwax Plugs; such indications must in no way substitute the opinion of the attending physician or other health specialists in the sector who are treating the patient.
What to do
- Soften the earwax plug with emollient drops (e.g. glycerin, mineral oil), 3 times a day for 4-6 days
- Consult your doctor immediately in case of persistent ear burning after the instillation of specific emollient drops for removing the earwax plug
- Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms worsen after applying drops to remove the wax plug
- Pay particular attention during the ear washing maneuver: this practice of removing the earwax plug can in fact break the tympanic membrane or tear the skin of the ear canal.
- For ear irrigation it is recommended to use water at body temperature: water that is too cold or hot can induce dizziness
- Immediately stop ear washing if the patient complains of nausea, acute pain or dizziness
- Follow a specific antibiotic therapy in case of confirmed infection: remember, in fact, that even "otitis can cause a plug of earwax.
- Promote the natural removal of ear wax by regularly performing jaw movements several times throughout the day
What NOT to do
- Use the emollient drops to remove the earwax plug in the presence of hearing aids
- Use the drops to get rid of earwax after it has expired
- Expose the bottle with the emollient drops to sources of light and heat
- Use cotton-covered sticks for ear hygiene: the mechanical action of the cotton swab, in fact, pushes the earwax towards the ear canal which, when compacting, creates the plug
- Perform ear irrigation in case of tympanic perforation or a previous history of otitis
- Take milk and derivatives immediately after the administration of antibiotics such as tetracyclines: dairy products can inactivate the drug
- Giving aspirin to children under the age of 12: such behavior can cause serious side effects, such as Reye's syndrome, liver dysfunction and brain changes
- Cleaning the ears with "candles": the use of wax cones is not very reliable, since wax residues can deposit in the ear canal, creating a wax plug that is much more difficult to remove than ear wax.
What to eat
- Take yogurt with live lactic ferments or a probiotic in case of prolonged antibiotic therapy to strengthen the immune system
- Eat lots of fruit and vegetables, as they are rich in antioxidants (vitamin C and E)
What NOT to Eat
- There is no scientific evidence that food relates to worsening of the symptoms of earwax. It is recommended that you follow a healthy, balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables and low in fat.
Natural Cures and Remedies
To facilitate the removal of the earwax plug, a few emollient drops can be applied to the ear. Particularly useful for this purpose are:
- Olive oil
- Peanut oil
- Sweet almond oil
- Vaseline oil
- Oily macerate of propolis
- Ylang ylang oil (emollient, antiseptic properties)
- Macassar oil (emollient, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic properties)
The oils listed above can be fortified (enriched) with essential oils with disinfectant action, suitably diluted:
- Tea tree essential oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) → antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties
- Essential oil of geranium / lemongrass (Cymbopogon nardus) → disinfectant properties
- Chamomile essential oil (Matricaria recutita L.) → anti-inflammatory and soothing properties
Pharmacological treatment
The most used drugs in therapy for ear wax plugs are:
- Local anesthetics: to be used when the earwax plug generates ear pain:
- Antipyrine + benzocaine
- Acetic acid + benzocaine + antipyrine + policosanols
- Ceruminolytics: they favor the dissolution of compacted ear wax:
- Carbamide peroxide
- Hydrogen peroxide + urea + glycerin
- Glycerin + urea peroxide, citric acid + propylene glycol (eg Debrox)
- Hydrogen peroxide (hydrogen peroxide)
Prevention
- Always perform proper ear cleaning
- Instill some specific emollient drops in the ear once a week
- Patients predisposed to ear plug should have ear irrigation weekly
Medical treatments
Proper cleaning of the ears, aimed at removing earwax, can be performed with:
- Irrigation or washing of the earwax plug
- Curettage (mechanical removal of the earwax plug using a curette)
- Aspiration of ear wax
Other articles on "Remedies for Earwax Plugs"
- Plug of earwax
- Earwax
