Frank's Advice on Earwax
Monday, 30 January 2012 11:26
Earwax(cerumen) forms a protective coating in the ear canal. Overproduction can result in a plug in the ear causing dulled hearing and tinnitus
Earwax overproduction is more of a nuisance than a serious problem and the amount of wax in the ear can vary greatly from person to person. It needs to be removed if causing problems with hearing.
You can buy drops to put in the ear at the Pharmacy, but always ask your Murray's Pharmacist for advice. If you have not had ear wax before or you have pain and/or swelling, you need to consult your Doctor.
The usual treatment for minor ear wax problems is ear drops. Olive Oil ear drops usually do the trick and follow your Murray's Pharmacist's advice.
I like to recommend ear drops with a mild oxidising medication in them(Exterol or Otex), as they tend to break down the wax and soften it. This helps the natural process of expulsion of the wax from the ear.
Do NOT fiddle about with cotton buds or tissues, as this only makes the problem worse. As my old gran used to say 'the smallest thing you should put in your ear is your elbow!'.
If your treatment with drops dose not work then your Doctor or Nurse will be able to clear the wax, especially if a plug has formed.
An Ear Irrigation Machine is used, after a thorough ear examination, and is very safe and painless.
You may experience a little dizziness afterwards but this soon settles.
Earwax can be a problem for some people and you can use the Olive Oil drops regularly as a preventive measure,ask your Murray's Pharmacist
