Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
She examined both ears and explained that the shape of one canal was kinked/angled a little differently making it harder for wax to work its way out on its own.
For those of you who get ears plugged with wax caused by age rather than from having hideously deformed ear canals, at what age did this become a problem?
For those of you who get ears plugged with wax caused by age rather than from having hideously deformed ear canals, at what age did this become a problem?
It starts earlier for men -- mainly due to hairier ear canals. People with narrow ear canals have more trouble as well.
Generally speaking it begins to be an issue for most folks in their 60's.
We tend to 'dry out' in general with aging -- less tears, less saliva, drier skin (more flaking and itching) so ear wax becomes thicker, stickier and more likely to ball up.
I used to have people use Sweet Oil to soften the ear wax prior to removal. A 50/50 mix of baby shampoo or Dawn with water works also.
I just had earwax removed - most GPs will do it - no need for a specialist - and actually he had the nurse take care of it. Afterwards he asked if I'd had a lot of ear infections as a child and said those who do often have constricted ear canals and get more wax buildup. I should note that even though there was a lot removed, I don't think I hear any better because of it but that sense of pressure is gone.
My husband was a surfer and started having trouble at age 30. Doc flushed out wax and sand and even a tiny seashell. Doc said spending a lot of time in cold water can somehow cause the ear canal to narrow.
Be careful though..... Not good using a QTIP as you can just push the stuff further in....
My ears constantly get filled..... I have a ball thing I use to try and get some out if not all.....
Why do our ears get wax in them?? Is it a protective thing??
Very annoying and confusing
I hope you feel better CaliRestoration
Thanks I'm very careful and what I do works and could be too the daily load of antioxidants help in that area too, my hearing is good and ears are clear for my years.
Be careful though..... Not good using a QTIP as you can just push the stuff further in....
That's exactly the problem! The entire ear canal produces wax (including the inner part that you shouldn't be sticking objects in to!) not just the outer part.
My ears constantly get filled..... I have a ball thing I use to try and get some out if not all.....Why do our ears get wax in them?? Is it a protective thing??
Yes. Ear wax (actually called cerumen) protects the canal from water, dust, bacteria, and other things that could irritate the delicate skin and eardrum. Hair also protects the canal.
Be careful though..... Not good using a QTIP as you can just push the stuff further in....
My ears constantly get filled..... I have a ball thing I use to try and get some out if not all.....
Why do our ears get wax in them?? Is it a protective thing??
Very annoying and confusing
I hope you feel better CaliRestoration
The wax in the ears is to catch stuff entering the ear canal that could cause you problems stop it from moving further into the ear.
My eldest son once had an earache I took him to the Dr. and they got a pile of wax the size of a quarter out of it.
Be careful though..... Not good using a QTIP as you can just push the stuff further in....
That's exactly the problem! The entire ear canal produces wax (including the inner part that you shouldn't be sticking objects in to!) not just the outer part.
My ears constantly get filled..... I have a ball thing I use to try and get some out if not all.....Why do our ears get wax in them?? Is it a protective thing??
Yes. Ear wax (actually called cerumen) protects the canal from water, dust, bacteria, and other things that could irritate the delicate skin and eardrum. Hair also protects the canal.
When I was a kid I stuck a pencil in my ear for some reason. It bled. Off to doctor.
"Never put anything smaller than your elbow into your ear," the doc said.
I have a triple whammy: first, I spent years having painful ear infections as a child and was warned about losing hearing then. Fast forward 50 years and I have ear canals so narrow they have to use children's instruments to clean them. I also seem to have a skin problem and the skin that peels inside the canal catches the wax, so I can never get it out; they have to pull it with some kind of creepy looking tweezers.
Never a dull moment.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
