I have pain in both ears, and heavy wax buildup. Cold weather makes my ears ache. Is there any non-prescription remedy for this?
Answer ----------
The symptom of ear pain (otalgia) would require additional history and physical examination to determine the cause before a recommendation regarding treatment could be made. In the majority of situations a treatable cause for otalgia can be found and successfully treated.
It would be somewhat unusual for chronic otalgia to be caused by wax (cerumen) accumulation, although not impossible. If it is clear that the symptoms of ear pain are related to chronic cerumen problems, then there are a number of over-the-counter preparations or home remedies that are fairly effective.
The most simple treatment is warm water irrigations of your ear canals. The water should be close to body temperature. A bulb syringe should be used with the nozzle placed close to the opening of the ear, but not in the ear canal. Repeated gentle flushing of the ear should then be performed until free of wax obstruction. If the wax is particularly impacted or hard, the use of a small amount of sweet oil or other cooking oils may be used to soften the wax prior to irrigation. This home treatment should not be done without the advice of a physician if there is a history of chronic infection, tympanic membrane perforation, or prior ear surgery. If it is unsuccessful, a physician should be consulted.
Alternatively, there are commercial wax removal preparations available without prescription. They typically include a softening agent which is instilled into the ear canal followed by gentle flushing.
One should be cautious about being overly meticulous or obsessed with cleaning wax from one's ears. Cerumen is there for a purpose. It functions as a natural cleansing agent and skin emollient. Compulsive wax removal can result in a form of dermatitis affecting the skin of the ear canal and typically is associated with scaling of skin and itching. It may also increase the sensitivity of the ear canals to extreme temperatures such as cold air.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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