August 01, 2007

Health Tip: Wax Can Build up in the Ear

(HealthDay News) -- Some people's ears produce more wax than is necessary to protect the ear from foreign matter. A blockage caused by excess wax can trigger hearing loss, earache, ringing in the ears, or a sensation of fullness in the ear, the U.S. National Library of Medicine says.

There are several ways to treat a wax blockage in the ear, the NLM advises. A doctor may choose to use mineral oil or baby oil, glycerin, hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The ear can also be irrigated with a syringe full of water at body temperature directed into the ear, then drained.

Once wax has been removed, the ear should be thoroughly dried, such as by a blow dryer used on a low setting, the NLM says.

-- Diana Kohnle

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