| What is it? | Ear wax (or cerumen) is a natural product of the ear canal. It is produced by glands inside the ear canal. It is antibiotic, anti-fungal and waterproof. It is designed to catch dust and foreign particles before they can reach delicate parts of the ear. It also helps to carry away dead skin cells from the eardrum, and the ear canal. |
| What effect does it have? | Too much ear wax can block the ear canal and prevent sound waves from getting through. |
| What causes it? | The ear is normally self-cleaning and produces the correct amount of ear wax. Constantly trying to remove the ear wax yourself - ie with a cotton bud, can make the problem worse by stimulating the wax glands to produce more wax (or pushing the wax further in) - but even more seriously you may damage and scar the ear canal and/or eardrum. |
| What treatment is there? | 1. If you think you have a problem with ear wax see your doctor or practice nurse. 2. A gentle remedy for people who have problems with ear wax is 2 drops of pure olive oil (available at the chemist) in the ear, once a month overnight to help the wax to remain soft. Put a towel on the pillow!! WARNING - DO NOT DO THIS IF YOU HAVE A PERFORATED EAR DRUM OR EAR INFECTION - SEE YOUR DOCTOR 3. Avoid regular use of over-the-counter ear drops. |