Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Earwax Blockage

The ear canal is lined with glands that produce cerumen, or earwax

Description

The ear canal is lined with glands that produce cerumen, or earwax. Together with small hair follicles, this wax works to prevent dust and other foreign particles from entering the ear. As new wax is produced, older wax normally works its way out through the ear canal and into the Outer ear. From here, it falls out of the ear during sleep or in the shower. Some people, on the other hand, produce new wax faster than the old wax leaves the ear canal, thus creating a backup of cerumen.

Signs and Symptoms

Partial hearing loss

Ringing in the ear

A feeling of fullness in the ear

Earache

Conventional Medical Treatment

Wax blockage can usually be treated with home care. A few drops of over-the-counter wax softener can be dropped into the ear canal two or three times a day. After two or three days, the wax will begin to soften, allowing it to move out of the ear canal. If home care doesn''t work, visit your doctor, who may gently scoop away the wax with a curette or use a suction device to vacuum away the wax.

Complementary and Alternative Treatments

Ayurvedic Medicine

To remove a buildup of stubborn wax, Ayurvedic practitioners may suggest a two-step process: First, soften the wax by placing a few drops of warm garlic oil in the ear. Then, after several hours, flush the ear with warm water or a solution of vinegar and lukewarm water.

Homeopathy

Earwax blockage may respond to homeopathic treatment. However, the seletion of a remedy-more than one is available-depends on your symptoms and the stage of the condition. Don''t try treating this disorder yourself. See a homeopathic professional.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Chinese Herbal Therapy Asarum Sieboldi can be used to loosen and cler earwax. Simply mix the powdered herb with vinegar and roll into a tiny ball, then place the concoction inside the ear canal and let it dissolve.

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