How to remove a wax plug

Wax plugs are formed by excess wax in the outer ear. It can be caused by different causes such as microtrauma from scratching or the use of rods that impact the cerumen at the bottom of the ear canal.

• The wax It is a physiological secretion formed by the accumulation of desquamated cells from the skin of the external auditory canal and the local glandular secretion. It forms in the outermost part of the external auditory canal.
• The earwax It is a hydrophobic film with a protective and defense function for the skin of the ear canal. Protects against possible external aggressions such as the entry of water or foreign bodies, trauma and infections.

Causes of ear wax build-up

There are people with a greater predisposition for the synthesis and accumulation of wax in the ear canals and the consequent plug formation. Some of the factors favoring the accumulation of earwax are:

• The presence of a very narrow external auditory canal
• Dry skin
• Traumatic use of cotton buds
• Use of hearing aids
• Poorly fitting earplugs or headphones
• Intense scratching
• Introduction of objects

Symptoms of ear plugs

The symptoms most frequently associated with the presence of earwax plugs would be:

• Discomfort or pain in the external ear canal
• Feeling of hearing loss
• Itchiness
• Feeling of occupation
• Buzzing
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How to remove a wax plug in the ear

Diagnosis is made by direct inspection with the help of the otoscope. Depending on the characteristics of the earwax plug, different forms of extraction.

Normally, before any extraction, the application of a few softening drops of earwax during three days about. By applying these drops it is possible to disinfect the plug from the wall of the ear canal and soften it. This facilitates the removal of the plug, although in most cases, it is necessary to resort to other methods for its total removal, such as the Irrigation extraction, microscopic extraction, or aspiration extraction.

During extraction it is necessary that the patient remain motionless. While the extraction is done carefully, complications may appear during the procedure, such as an injury to the tympanic membrane or the skin of the ear canal, a vertiginous crisis, a worsening of tinnitus previous or pain.

If the extraction has been difficult, the administration of a topical antibiotic in the form of drops to prevent infection. It is recommended evolutionary after extraction.

Irrigation extraction

It consists of the use of warm and disinfected water applied under pressure into the ear canal with the help of a syringe for mechanical removal of the earwax plug as it pushes it outwards.

This type of procedure must be performed by expert hands and provided that the person has tympanic integrity. Thus, in cases of tympanic perforation, previous otological surgery or suspected infection, this extraction method is not recommended.

Extraction with microscopic vision

It would be indicated in the elimination of hard consistency dry wax plugs. The use of the microscope allows the expert to expand the field of vision for better visualization and access. Allows you to use a vaccum cleaner that sucks the contents of the canal or a small diameter otological instrument, usually in the form of a hook with a blunt tip to avoid injuring the skin and avoid friction.

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What you should know:

• • Some factors that favor the accumulation of wax are: a very narrow external auditory canal, dry skin, traumatic use of swabs, use of hearing aids, poorly fitted earplugs or headphones, intense scratching or the introduction of objects.
  • Depending on the characteristics of the cerumen plug, different possible forms of extraction can be considered: by irrigation or with microscopic vision.
  • If the extraction has been difficult, the administration of a topical antibiotic in the form of drops may be recommended to prevent infection.

Family Medicine Specialist