What's the point of ear wax

asks tonyb:
A. Ear wax, known medically as cerumen, is a yellow or brown substance secreted by small glands under the skin of the outer part of the ear canal.

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Q. What's it for
A. It's a sticky substance which protects the eardrum by trapping dust and dirt. Some experts believe that, because it is slightly acidic, ear wax has an antibacterial effect. This can help prevent fungus or bacteria growing on the outer ear and causing a painful inflammation called Swimmer's ear (otitis externa).

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Q. Does ear wax cause pain
A. It may do. Most people only produce a little which comes out on its own and is no problem at all. Others produce so much that it gathers in the ear canal (auditory canal) and forms an ear plug over time. This can restrict your hearing and cause pain.

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Q. What can you do if you've got too much
A. Follow the rule that you should put nothing smaller than your elbow into your ear. Many people use cotton buds to removes excess ear wax, but there is a danger that this can push the ear wax further into the ear canal and damage the eardrum.

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Instead, see your GP who can check your ears out. He/she may suggest you use ear drops to soften the wax so that it can comes out on its own. A little slightly warmed olive oil will perform the same function. Occasionally, your GP or practice nurse will syringe ears - flushing the ear wax out with water.

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Absolutely do not put anything into your ear if it is painful or there is a discharge without seeing your GP first: if your eardrum has been perforated, putting anything into your ear could cause infection.

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Q. Are there any other reasons for earache
A. Earache is usually due to problems in either the outer ear (from the earlobe to the ear drum) or the middle ear (behind the ear drum). Inflammation of the middle ear - usually due to an infection - increases pressure which causes the eardrum to become stretched and swollen, and is very painful. Sometimes earache can be due to problems in the throat or the mouth, such as tonsillitis. All require a visit to the GP for treatment.

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By Sheena Miller

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