Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
4 min of reading 
0 comments 
Know A Trick To Clear Your Ear! Many Seek Quick Solutions, But It Is Crucial To Know How To Clear The Ear Safely.
The feeling of a clogged ear is a common discomfort that can affect hearing and even cause dizziness. Although there is an effective home remedy, it is essential to understand the purpose of earwax, why not to use cotton swabs, and, above all, that it is always good to see a doctor when the blockage persists.
Auditory health is delicate and deserves specialized attention.
What Is The Purpose Of Earwax? The Essential Role Of Cerumen In Ear Health
Before thinking about how to clear the ear, it is important to understand the purpose of earwax (also called cerumen).
-
Hidden marks on the walls of the site associated with the Last Supper of Jesus for centuries have been deciphered in Jerusalem, revealing medieval inscriptions left by pilgrims, European nobles, and travelers from the Middle East.
-
One of the most important lakes in the United States for birds, the balance of nature, and the climate has dried to historic levels, leaving boats stranded, revealing salt flats, and showing how the lack of water can transform an entire landscape.
-
It’s not Cristiano Ronaldo or Messi: the richest football player in the world is only 27 years old, has a fortune of 100 billion reais, and is the nephew of a sultan from an Asian country that few people know about.
-
At 77, the king of one of the most famous and powerful crowns on the planet is said to be under pressure to leave the throne, while behind the scenes there are already talks of a new coronation that could cost R$ 260 million.
Far from being just dirt, earwax is a natural secretion produced by the glands in the ear canal and plays a crucial role in protecting and cleaning the ear.
Earwax has antibacterial and antifungal properties, acting as a protective barrier against microorganisms.
It also lubricates the ear canal, preventing dryness, and captures dust, dirt, and small particles, preventing them from reaching the eardrum.
The ear is a self-cleaning organ: earwax, along with dead skin cells and impurities, is naturally pushed out of the ear canal by the movements of the jaw (when talking, eating), where it can be easily removed with a towel on the outside.
Why Not To Use Cotton Swabs? The Danger Behind A Common Habit
Despite popular belief, it is strongly recommended not to use cotton swabs to clean the inside of the ear.
Cotton swabs, instead of removing earwax, tend to push it further into the ear canal, compacting it against the eardrum. This compaction is the primary cause of a clogged ear, not the excess earwax itself.
In addition to pushing the wax, using cotton swabs can cause severe injuries to the ear canal and eardrum, leading to infections, perforations, and even permanent hearing loss.
The skin of the ear canal is extremely sensitive, and the friction from the cotton swab can create microlesions that serve as entry points for bacteria. Therefore, the general rule is: never insert objects into the ear canal.
The Home Remedy To Clear The Ear Safely
If your ear is clogged due to earwax buildup, and without pain or other symptoms, there is a home remedy that may help clear the ear safely:
- Warm Saltwater Solution (or Mineral Oil): Prepare a lukewarm (not hot!) solution with filtered water and a pinch of salt, or use a few drops of warm mineral oil.
- Careful Application: Lay your head on its side with the clogged ear facing up. Using a clean dropper, put a few drops of the solution into the ear canal.
- Wait and Drain: Keep your head in that position for a few minutes to allow the solution to soften the wax. Then, tilt your head to the opposite side, letting the water and softened wax flow out naturally. Use a towel to dry the outer part of the ear.
This method helps to soften and mobilize the wax, making it easier to exit naturally.
However, it is essential to emphasize that this home remedy should only be attempted if you are sure the blockage is due to wax and there is no pain, discharge, fever, or history of eardrum problems.
It Is Always Good To See A Doctor: When To Seek Specialized Help
Even with a home remedy to clear the ear safely, the recommendation from a specialist is that it is always good to see a doctor in case of persistent clogged ears or if accompanied by other symptoms.
You should see a doctor (otolaryngologist) if:
- The sensation of a clogged ear does not improve after 2-3 days.
- You experience intense pain, ringing, dizziness, fever, or discharge from the ear.
- There is a suspicion of infection.
- You have a history of ear surgeries or perforated eardrum.
The health professional will be able to perform a detailed examination, identify the exact cause of the blockage, and remove the wax safely using appropriate techniques, such as irrigation or manual removal with specific instruments.
Do not hesitate to seek medical help; your hearing is a precious sense that deserves proper care and protection.
-
Uma pessoa reagiu a isso.