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Earwax remover

The formation of wax takes place in the ears of all humans and normally presents no serious problem because it works out as a result of a milking action imparted to the ear canal by the motion of the individuals' jaws. Ear wax is produced by ceruminous glands, sebaceous glands, keratinocytes, and hair from the outer third of the human ear canal. Ear wax is composed of lipid coated epidermal cells, lipids, proteins and carbohydrates. It is very hydrophobic and not soluble in water. Ear wax functions as a protectant to the inner ear from infection, as well as a cleaning and lubricating agent for the external ear canal. The accumulation of an undue amount of wax may, as is most commonly the case, impair the hearing of the patient. Other undesirable and sometimes painful consequences of such an undue accumulation of ear wax may include pain, and itching or discharge, or even indigestion which may result from vagal nerve reflex. Excessive accumulation of ear wax can cause itching, pain, hearing loss, perforated tympanum, tinnitis, dizziness, and increased risk of infection. Approximately 150,000 ear wax removals are performed weekly in America due to such otologic complications. Impaction of ear wax is the most common otologic problem encountered by physicians. Ear wax, or cerumen, buildup in the ear canal can adversely effect one's hearing, and thus the ear wax will be periodically removed from the ear canal by a physician, typically an otolaryngologist.

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