Earwax Removal, Function and Role, Management Methods

Earwax is not just dirty dust or clumps, but rather an important bodily secretion that plays a crucial role. Many people consider earwax to be dirty and try to remove it indiscriminately, but this can actually be harmful! Let's learn about the function and role of earwax, as well as the proper way to manage it.

Earwax: Function and Role... Is it Really Necessary?

Earwax is not simply waste but acts as a protective barrier against external bacteria and moisture in the ear canal. It is rich in lysozyme, an antibacterial substance, which helps prevent bacterial invasion and regulates moisture absorption. In this way, earwax is a valuable asset in protecting ear health.

When foreign objects enter the ear, many people use cotton swabs or their fingers to dig out the earwax. However, excessive earwax removal can injure the ear canal or eardrum, leading to risks such as otitis externa and eardrum damage. Experts advise that it's safest to leave earwax alone.

Earwax Removal: Excessive Removal Can Be Dangerous

It is particularly dangerous to use cotton swabs to remove earwax after showering or swimming when the ears are wet. This is because wet ears are prone to fungal and bacterial growth. In such situations, using cotton swabs to clean the ears removes the protective barrier of the ear canal, weakens the skin, and makes it easier for inflammation to occur. Ear canal injuries caused by excessive earwax removal can also lead to bacterial infections.

Safe Removal Through Consultation with a Specialist

Experts recommend allowing earwax to naturally drain, but if you experience any discomfort, gently wiping the outer part of the ear canal with a damp cloth or cotton swab is an option.

It's a good idea to regularly clean the area around the outer ear with a damp cloth or cotton swab and use earwax dissolving products. If earwax buildup causes ear blockage, ringing in the ears, or a feeling of stuffiness, it's best to visit an ENT doctor for consultation and safe removal.

Unique Earwax Characteristics

Interestingly, earwax characteristics vary from person to person. There's a difference in wet/dry earwax between East Asians and Westerners, which is attributed to genetic factors. Most East Asians have dry earwax, while Westerners have moist earwax. This difference is due to a 'dry earwax' mutation that emerged in East Asian ancestors millions of years ago.

Tips for Earwax Drainage

Earwax is naturally discharged from the body, so there's no need to deliberately remove it. However, you can soften earwax and promote drainage using natural oils. After applying mineral oil, baby oil, etc., and waiting for a while, the earwax will gradually flow out. However, be cautious as excessive earwax removal can stimulate further earwax production.

Our ears play a crucial role not only in hearing but also in maintaining balance. For healthy ear care, it is important to promote natural earwax drainage rather than excessive earwax removal. The earwax produced by our bodies is nature's gift to our ears. Instead of carelessly removing it due to misconceptions about its uncleanliness, it's essential to recognize its valuable role and manage it appropriately.