Table of contents:
- The cause of earwax is black
- 1. Age and gender factors
- 2. Earwax builds up
- 3. Clogged ears
- Tips for dealing with black earwax
- 1. Use ear drops
- 2. Doctor's care
- Earwax blockage can be prevented
Have you ever noticed the color of wax in your own ears? Although disgusting, the color of earwax can change and indicate the cleanliness and health of your ears. Normally, earwax is yellow or brown in color. However, at certain times, earwax can turn black. So, what causes black earwax? Is it necessary to see a doctor if this condition occurs? Come on, find out the answer below.
The cause of earwax is black
Actually, the wax in your ear (cerumen) has a function of its own, you know. This discharge can block bacteria, insects, water, and other substances from entering the ear canal. In addition, cerumen also maintains the acidity of the ear to prevent infection.
This dirt is formed from sweat, oil, dead skin cells that accumulate together. Although they are generally yellow or brown in color, earwax can be a deep black color. This condition is common and rarely indicates a serious condition. Here are some causes of black earwax that you need to know, such as:
1. Age and gender factors
Older people, especially men, are more likely to have a build-up of earwax, which can turn dark black in color. Age also causes less earwax, but the texture is stickier and thicker. As a result, the earwax will take longer to dry out, turn black, and accumulate in the ear canal.
2. Earwax builds up
A black color of earwax is a sign that wax has been accumulating in your ear canal for a long time. The buildup of dirt occurs because the glands in the ear canal produce more wax than usual. Usually when you feel stressed, anxious, or anxious.
The extra dirt, which initially turns yellow, will build up more, dry out, and turn dark. Fortunately, the wax will slowly push out of the ear canal and your ear will come back clean.
3. Clogged ears
Use cotton bud it is easy and fun. However, it can cause wax to push back in and eventually block the ear canal. Over time, the stool will get denser and darker.
Blocked earwax usually causes several symptoms, including:
- Ear pain and itching
- Dizzy
- Hearing impaired
Tips for dealing with black earwax
The cause of black earwax is mostly due to a buildup in the ear canal. This condition increases the risk of ear congestion. To deal with the buildup of earwax. You can follow a variety of treatments, including:
1. Use ear drops
Using fingers or cotton bud not a wise way to deal with earwax that has accumulated. You will need ear drops to soften the wax so that it is easier to pass.
You can find various types of ear drops easily at the pharmacy, such as glycerin, hydrogen peroxide, peroxide, olive oil, or baby oil.How to use it is quite easy, namely put 2 to 3 drops of the drug into the ear. Wait a few moments, then the ears are cleaned.
2. Doctor's care
If ear drops don't work, check with an ENT doctor immediately. The doctor will recommend several medications to remove accumulated earwax, such as:
- Remove earwax with a small instrument called a curette. This tool is designed to scrape wax out of the ear canal.
- Vacuum the earwax that has accumulated with a special tool that works like a small vacuum cleaner.
- Perform irrigation, which is to enter a saline solution into the ear canal to soften earwax so that it is easy to remove.
Earwax blockage can be prevented
Preventing the congestion of earwax can be done by cleaning the ears. However, not too often and of course how to clean your ears must also be correct. If you have had this problem before, you should regularly check with your doctor.
Avoid using cotton bud and limit the use of headphones at a high volume. Both of these things you often do even though they can prevent earwax from coming out on its own. Don't forget to always dry your ears after bathing with a towel and wear a head covering when swimming.
