It might be gross to look at and annoying to deal with, but ear wax plays an important role in protecting the sensitive skin in external auditory canal.
That’s why you should never attack your ear with a Q-tip or cotton bud; it’s likely you’ll only make things worse by forcing wax downwards instead of removing it – and in extreme cases, you could puncture an eardrum in the process.
Yikes.
There is an easier (and safer) way to handle impacted earwax, however, and one US paediatrician has taken to YouTube to spread the word on his clever method.
In a video for eHow, Dr David Hill first extolls the virtues of serumen (the medical term for the sticky substance).
‘It forms a physical barrier against dirt and insects.” he says. “It forms a chemical barrier by being slightly acidic, so the bacteria and fungus that might infect the inside of the ear, don’t.’
But if it starts building up, Dr Hill recommends this simple solution: Soak a cotton ball in Baby Oil, turn the ear towards the ceiling and gently drip in two or three drops. Wait five minutes to allow it to take effect, then turn head the other way.
“You can also make a mixture of one part white vinegar to one part alcohol, shaken.” advises Dr Hill.
“That can help loosen up the wax and force it to flow out.”
Watch the video here:
