Dr Ameen

Written by Dr Ameen, ENT Specialist KL

Earwax is not dirt. It protects the ear, traps dust and fights germs. Your ear cleans itself every time you talk and chew. Problems usually start when we interfere. Yet many patients arrive with blocked, sore ears after trying to clean them. It is one of my most common clinic fixes.

Wax usually builds up because of:
• Cotton buds pushing wax deeper inside
• Earbuds, earplugs and hearing aids
• Narrow or hairy ear canals
• Dry skin conditions and ageing
• Over cleaning that irritates the canal
• Ear candles that add debris and risk burns

Here is what the evidence says. The American Academy of Otolaryngology clinical guideline warns that cotton buds and ear candles push wax deeper and can tear the eardrum. Studies show ear candles remove no wax at all and can cause burns. The safe route is softening drops such as olive oil for a few days, then gentle warm water irrigation if needed.

See me if you have ear fullness, muffled hearing, pain, ringing or discharge. Using a microscope and gentle microsuction, I can clear most ears in minutes, painlessly, without pushing anything inside. It is quick, and your hearing often improves on the spot.

One rule to remember. Nothing smaller than your elbow goes into your ear. If wax keeps building up, a few drops of olive oil once a week can help. And if home care fails, do not dig harder.

Book an appointment to see me if you have this issue: https://www.kpjhealth.com.my/ameen-saiful-azhar