A healthy ear is a well-balanced ear. The internal structure of the ear has been compared to an upside-down tree with its roots in the sky. The trunk of this tree is the auditory (hearing) nerve, and the branches that feed it are called cilia.
Your ears have three important jobs: hearing, balance, and equilibrium. But few people realize that the health of your ears is crucial to your overall quality of life.
When the different parts of your ear are not functioning optimally, you can experience pain, dizziness and vague feelings of illness. What’s more, your hearing might be impaired to a degree that interferes with your ability to enjoy music or other sounds.
Earwax is a natural barrier against bacteria, dirt and other foreign objects that could harm your ear. Earwax is produced by glands in the skin of the outer ear canal. The wax slowly moves from the inside of your ear to the outside and then falls out. This process helps protect your ears against dirt and infection, as well as trapping dust and preventing insects from entering.
But some people produce more earwax than others, which can lead to blockages. It can also happen if you use things like cotton buds or hearing aids, or if you wear a helmet or work with your head bent forward for long periods, which makes it harder for your body to remove wax naturally.
Ear syringing is a method of removing earwax from the ear. It is used when earwax has built up and causes symptoms such as earache, hearing loss and ringing in the ears (tinnitus). Your doctor will usually advise you to use eardrops to try to soften the wax first. But if this does not work, they may suggest you have your ears syringed.
If your doctor sees a build-up of earwax during an exam, he or she may remove a small amount with a small spoon called a curette. He or she might also flush out your ears with warm water or use suction to remove the wax. Your doctor may prescribe eardrops to soften the wax before removal.
Individuals who experience excessive earwax build-up should speak with their doctor or healthcare provider like Broadgate GP about treatment options and prevention strategies.
But if you have had frequent ear infections or eardrum problems, talk with your doctor before using any products to soften or wash out earwax.
