Earwax is produced by glands in the ear canal and it does trap dust and other small particles and prevents them from reaching and possibly damaging or infecting the eardrum.
Speaking on Plan B Fm’s family, relationship, and lifestyle show dubbed NYANSAPO FIE, hosted by Dr. Michael Asenso on the topic “Impacted Wax” Angela Aniewu-Kotoko together with Casandra Esi Senior Nursing Officers for the Ear, Nose and Throat department at the Tema Polyclinic said, earwax is produced by glands in the ear canal and it does trap dust and other small particles and prevent them from reaching and possibly damaging or infecting the eardrum.
Normally, the wax dries up and falls out of the ear, along with any trapped dust or debris.
Angela Aniewu-Kotoko said It is not possible to reduce the amount of ear wax you produce or to widen your ear canals, However, there are ways to reduce the incidence of wax build.
Cleaning the ear canals with cotton buds or fingertips, as any object poked into the ear can compact the wax and cause damage to the ear canal, also using wax-softening drops or olive oil twice a week, or according to the manufacturer’s instructions, again limiting ear cleaning to the outer ear only.
Casandra Esi also explains the signs and symptoms of earwax blockage as having ear ache, feeling of fullness in the ear, hearing loss, dizziness, cough, Itchiness in the ear, Odour, or discharge in the ear.
Parents are advised to desist from the practice of using earbuds on their ward’s ears and teachers were to be watchful of the pupils and stop them from using their pencils and pens on their ears.
The public has been advised to seek health assistants if they feel uneasiness in their ears.
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