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EARWAX

.WARNING NEVER STICK ANY OBJECT INTO YOUR EARS. DO NOT USE HAIRPINS, BOBBY PINS, PAPERCLIPS, COTTON SWABS OR ANY OTHER OBJECT TO ATTEMPT TO CLEAN WAX OUT OF THE EAR CANAL!


Q.	What causes a buildup of earwax?
A.	There are various factors and causes: Some individuals produce excessive quantities of wax Heredity gives some persons narrow or twisted ear canals Working in a dusty environment Using ear devices such as: Hearing aids Stethoscopes Ear plugs Attempting to remove earwax using a hairpin, a paper clip or a cotton swab, all of which tend to pack the wax against the eardrum

Q.	Is earwax unhealthy?
A.	No, wax in the outer ear is a sign that the ear canal is making wax to carry dust, etc. out of the canal. However, if wax should become compacted in the inner ear, then it can cause a hearing loss.

Q.	What are the symptoms of compacted wax?
A.	There are several symptoms: Ear pain Itching or dryness Decreased hearing Ear noises

Q.	How can I keep earwax from accumulating too much?
A.	Here are some suggestions: Carefully clean the outer ear with a damp washcloth. Do not use a very wet washcloth or large amounts of soap, both soap and water can irritate the ear canal. Place a few drops of warmed mineral oil in the ear at bedtime and insert a piece of cotton wool in the ear canal to retain the oil. Next morning, remove the cotton, and rinse the ear using a small bulb syringe designed for this purpose. Use only gentle pressure to flush the ear canal Use an over-the-counter earwax removal product such as Auro, Murine, Debrox, etc.

Q.	What can I do if these methods do not help?
A.	Fill a hot-water bottle with warm water and lie with the affected ear against it. The heat will soften the wax and allow it to flow out of the ear.

Q.	Should I always try to remove all the wax from my ears?
A.	No, a little wax helps to prevent itching.

Q.	What if the problem does not clear up in a week?
A.	See your physician, he/she will be able to use other methods which are not recommended for home use.

Q.	What if I think I have an ear infection?
A.	See your physician at once.

The summary information contained in this document is for informational purposes only. This summary may not contain all the information you should know about the medical conditions, medications, products or treatments described. DO NOT USE THIS INFORMATION TO DIAGNOSE A HEALTH PROBLEM OR PRESCRIBE A MEDICATION. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR UNCERTAINTIES, OR NEED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, YOU SHOULD ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR OWN PHYSICIAN AND MEDICAL ADVISORS.