Ok, so this isn’t something you’ll hear about often, but the buildup of earwax could be keeping you from, well, hearing. Earwax – technically known as cerumen – is a mixture of secretions from glands in the ear canal, dead skin cells, and bits of hair that help clean, lubricate, and protect the ear. But sometimes you can have too much of a good thing. In fact, about 12 million Americans suffer from impacted earwax.
When wax becomes impacted, you can experience a reduction in hearing, the feeling that your ear is clogged, pain, and itching, and even an odorous discharge. But before you reach for that Q-Tip, be aware that trying to clean your ear often pushes it deeper into the ear canal. Instead, you can soften and liquefy hardened earwax by warming olive oil to body temperature. Hold your head to the side and place a few drops in your ear. Rub your ear gently, then tilt your head to let the oil run out. The drops should carry the excess wax out with them. You can also use a baby syringe to suck out the oil and wax. (If the wax doesn’t come out easily, see your doctor for professional removal.)
Done monthly, these techniques can keep earwax accumulation under control. Sounds like an easy and economical way to improve your hearing!
Yours in health and happiness,
Bonnie Jenkins
Editor, Advanced Natural Medicine
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