Ear Wax - Which Ear Drops are the best?

Summary

In this informative video, ENT surgeon Vic Veer explores the wonders of earwax, its purpose, and how to manage it. He debunks common myths, like the use of cotton buds, and shares an experiment comparing different earwax removal methods, including olive oil, hydrogen peroxide, sodium bicarbonate, ear calm, and distilled water. The results highlight effective alternatives to safely and naturally dissolve earwax, emphasizing the importance of preserving the ear's natural defense mechanisms.

Takeaways

• 👂 Earwax is a natural substance made by glands in the ear canal and composed of dead skin, cholesterol, alcohols, and fatty acids.
• 🧬 There are two main genetic types of earwax: dry and flaky, common in Asian and Native American populations, and wet and darker, common in Europeans and Africans.
• 🔬 Earwax serves an important function, acting as an antibacterial and anti-fungal agent to protect the ear canal from infections.
• 🛠️ The ear's natural 'conveyor belt' mechanism moves earwax from the bottom of the ear canal to the outside, which can be disrupted by using cotton buds.
• 🚫 Using cotton buds can push earwax deeper into the ear and damage the skin, preventing the natural transport of earwax out of the ear.
• 💧 Ear drops can be an effective method for dissolving and softening earwax, allowing it to be naturally expelled from the ear.
• 👨‍⚕️ In some cases, professional ear cleaning methods such as micro-suction or ear syringing may be necessary to remove excessive earwax.
• 🧪 An experiment was conducted on different earwax remedies, including olive oil, hydrogen peroxide, sodium bicarbonate, ear calm, and distilled water.
• 🚫 Olive oil was found to be ineffective in dissolving earwax, and hydrogen peroxide also showed no significant effect in the experiment.
• 💡 Sodium bicarbonate and ear calm were found to be effective in dissolving earwax, but sodium bicarbonate might dry out the ear and ear calm is more expensive.
• 💧 Distilled water was surprisingly effective and inexpensive, but there are concerns about maintaining sterility over time and the risk of infection.

Q & A

What is the primary function of earwax?

Earwax serves as a protective substance in the ear canal, composed of dead skin, cholesterol, alcohols, and long-chain fatty acids. It has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties to fight off infections and helps to trap and remove debris from the ear due to its sticky nature.

How many types of earwax are there, and what are the differences?

There are two official types of earwax: the dry, flaky type commonly seen in Asian and Native American populations, and the wet, slightly darker type found in populations of European and African descent. However, in practice, there are more variations including the dry, crumbly, flaky type, the wet, fluffy, moist type, and the hard, fudge-like type.

Why do some people have a genetic predisposition to wet earwax and armpit odor?

The type of earwax one has is genetically determined, and those with wet, fudge-like earwax are more likely to have armpit odor due to a genetic difference. This doesn't necessarily have any significant health implications but is an interesting fact.

What is the natural process by which earwax is transported out of the ear canal?

The skin lining of the ear canal actively grows out of the ear, similar to a conveyor belt, moving at about 0.2 millimeters per day or 1.5 millimeters per week. This process helps to transport the earwax from the bottom of the ear canal to the outside.

Why should cotton buds be avoided when dealing with earwax?

Cotton buds can push earwax further into the ear canal and can damage the delicate skin layer responsible for transporting earwax out. This can disrupt the natural wax removal process and lead to impaction or buildup of earwax.

What are some common reasons for excessive earwax accumulation?

Excessive earwax can accumulate due to the use of cotton buds, narrow ear canals, aging which can cause the conchal bowl to slip forward and close up the ear hole, or post-operative changes such as a deep hole in the ear canal that prevents wax from moving out.

What are the various methods mentioned in the script for removing earwax?

The methods include stopping the use of cotton buds, using ear drops to dissolve and soften earwax, ear syringing with water, micro suction by a professional, and in extreme cases, surgery to open up the ear canal or fill in divots.

What was the purpose of the earwax experiment conducted by Vic Veer?

The experiment aimed to test the effectiveness of different earwax removal remedies, including olive oil, hydrogen peroxide, sodium bicarbonate, ear calm, and distilled water, on different types of earwax using a time-lapse camera.

Based on the experiment, which remedy did not work well for earwax removal?

Olive oil and hydrogen peroxide did not show any significant effect on earwax removal in the experiment, while sodium bicarbonate, ear calm, and distilled water were more effective.

What are the potential downsides of using sodium bicarbonate for earwax removal?

While sodium bicarbonate was effective in dissolving earwax, it is alkaline with a pH of around 8, which is higher than the natural pH of the ear canal. This could potentially increase the risk of ear infections and may cause the ear to feel dry.

What is the recommended approach to dealing with earwax based on the script?

Avoid using cotton buds, consider using distilled water, sodium bicarbonate, or ear calm for earwax removal, and consult a healthcare professional if earwax buildup becomes problematic.