Cell plug (wax)
The alveolus (wax) is produced by special glands located in the skin of the ear canal. It has a lubricating and antimicrobial action, so its presence is normal and necessary. Its texture (soft or hard) and quantity are determined by the genes. The ear cleans itself from the alveolus with the help of the skin of the ear canal, which is migratory, i.e. it moves slowly like an escalator and pushes the wax towards the entrance of the ear canal. It is clear, therefore, that under normal circumstances we do not need to clean our ears with swabs or anything else. Wiping with a towel externally is enough to remove the excess wax.
In some cases there is an accumulation of alveoli in the ear canal either due to overproduction or due to difficulty in normal advancement. The use of a cotton swab, the application of hearing aids, inflammation in the ear and anatomical variations such as narrow ear canal and exostoses are common causes of plug accumulation. When the wax obstructs the ear canal, a feeling of fullness, pain, discomfort when chewing, tinnitus and hearing loss occur. All symptoms subside once the plug is removed and the ear canal becomes full again.
Instructions
Attempting to clean at home should be avoided, because there is a risk of traumatic rupture of the eardrum and the hearing mechanism as well as injury to the skin of the canal, resulting in bleeding and infection. Cleaning is recommended to be done by your doctor using medical suction under direct vision or using a microscope. Preparing the plug at home by applying medicated drops that soften it or baby oil will help to make its removal faster and painless.
