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<human>: What are the symptoms of cerumen impaction? <bot>: The symptoms of cerumen impaction are: Pain or a feeling of fullness in your ear Feeling like your ear is plugged Partial loss of hearing, which worsens over time Ringing in your ear, known as tinnitus Itching, discharge, or a smell coming from your ear Coughing This kind of earwax buildup is rare, but it can happen.,context:Some people swear by their cotton swabs, and others say ear candles are the way to go. Maybe you're one of those that says you should never even clean your ears. About the only thing doctors do agree on putting anything inside your ear is a bad idea. Your ears usually do a good job cleaning themselves and don't need any extra care. The only reason you should clean them is to soften or remove earwax from the outside of your ear canals. And if you're going to do that, you'll need to know how to do it carefully. The reason we feel tempted to clean our ears is because of that substance called cerumen, commonly called earwax. It's normal for your body to produce it, and it actually helps protect and lubricate your ears. If you didn't have earwax, your ears would probably be itchy and dry. It even has antibacterial properties, which means your ears are self-cleaning. Earwax is like a filter for your ears, keeping out harmful things like dirt and dust, and trapping them so they don't go deep inside. When you chew and move your jaw, you help move old earwax out of the ear canal to the ear opening. That's where it usually dries up and falls out. But earwax isn't formed in the deep part of your ear canal; it's made in the outer section. So, the only reason you'd have an earwax blockage up against your eardrum, is because you tried to clean your ears with a cotton swab -- or something like it -- and pushed the wax in deeper. Swabbing or sticking pointy objects inside your ear can cause other serious problems: Infection Rupture of the eardrum Significant hearing loss Ideally, no; your ear canals shouldn't need cleaning. But if too much earwax builds up and starts to cause symptoms or it keeps your doctor from doing a proper ear exam, you might have something called cerumen impaction. This means earwax has completely filled your ear canal and it can happen in one or both ears. The symptoms of cerumen impaction are: Pain or a feeling of fullness in your ear Feeling like your ear is plugged Partial loss of hearing, which worsens over time Ringing in your ear, known as tinnitus Itching, discharge, or a smell coming from your ear Coughing This kind of earwax buildup is rare, but it can happen. But if you're experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, don't assume earwax is the problem. Call your doctor. He can examine your ears and figure out the cause. Your doctor can look into your ear canal with a special device and remove any earwax with small instruments, suction, or irrigation. If your problem isn't serious, but you do feel like you have too much earwax buildup, you can gently clean the outside of your ears. Just use a washcloth. You also can try putting a few drops of baby oil, mineral oil, or glycerin in your ear to soften the wax. Or you can use an over-the-counter wax removal kit. Besides cotton swabs or any other small or pointy objects, DON' T use these to clean your ears: Hydrogen peroxide. If the problem isn't an earwax buildup, but something more serious, peroxide can make the problem much worse. Ear candles. Studies show they're not effective and they can even cause injury. These hollow candles are supposed to be inserted into the ear canal and lit at the exposed end, but the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA) has found they can cause burns and even pierce the inside of the ear.,Some people swear by their cotton swabs, and others say ear candles are the way to go.Maybe you're one of those that says you should never even clean your ears.About the only thing doctors do agree on putting anything inside your ear is a bad idea.Your ears usually do a good job cleaning themselves and don't need any extra care.The only reason you should clean them is to soften or remove earwax from the outside of your ear canals.And if you're going to do that, you'll need to know how to do it carefully.The reason we feel tempted to clean our ears is because of that substance called cerumen, commonly called earwax.It's normal for your body to produce it, and it actually helps protect and lubricate your ears.If you didn't have earwax, your ears would probably be itchy and dry.It even has antibacterial properties, which means your ears are self-cleaning.Earwax is like a filter for your ears, keeping out harmful things like dirt and dust, and trapping them so they don't go deep inside.When you chew and move your jaw, you help move old earwax out of the ear canal to the ear opening.That's where it usually dries up and falls out.But earwax isn't formed in the deep part of your ear canal; it's made in the outer section.So, the only reason you'd have an earwax blockage up against your eardrum, is because you tried to clean your ears with a cotton swab -- or something like it -- and pushed the wax in deeper.Swabbing or sticking pointy objects inside your ear can cause other serious problems: Infection Rupture of the eardrum Significant hearing loss Ideally, no; your ear canals shouldn't need cleaning.But if too much earwax builds up and starts to cause symptoms or it keeps your doctor from doing a proper ear exam, you might have something called cerumen impaction.This means earwax has completely filled your ear canal and it can happen in one or both ears.The symptoms of cerumen impaction are: Pain or a feeling of fullness in your ear Feeling like your ear is plugged Partial loss of hearing, which worsens over time Ringing in your ear, known as tinnitus Itching, discharge, or a smell coming from your ear Coughing This kind of earwax buildup is rare, but it can happen.But if you're experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, don't assume earwax is the problem.Call your doctor.He can examine your ears and figure out the cause.Your doctor can look into your ear canal with a special device and remove any earwax with small instruments, suction, or irrigation.If your problem isn't serious, but you do feel like you have too much earwax buildup, you can gently clean the outside of your ears.Just use a washcloth.You also can try putting a few drops of baby oil, mineral oil, or glycerin in your ear to soften the wax.Or you can use an over-the-counter wax removal kit.Besides cotton swabs or any other small or pointy objects, DON' T use these to clean your ears: Hydrogen peroxide.If the problem isn't an earwax buildup, but something more serious, peroxide can make the problem much worse.Ear candles.Studies show they're not effective and they can even cause injury.These hollow candles are supposed to be inserted into the ear canal and lit at the exposed end, but the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA) has found they can cause burns and even pierce the inside of the ear.

<human>: What acts as a filter for our ears? <bot>: It even has antibacterial properties, which means your ears are self-cleaning. Earwax is like a filter for your ears, keeping out harmful things like dirt and dust, and trapping them so they don't go deep inside.,context:Some people swear by their cotton swabs, and others say ear candles are the way to go. Maybe you're one of those that says you should never even clean your ears. About the only thing doctors do agree on putting anything inside your ear is a bad idea. Your ears usually do a good job cleaning themselves and don't need any extra care. The only reason you should clean them is to soften or remove earwax from the outside of your ear canals. And if you're going to do that, you'll need to know how to do it carefully. The reason we feel tempted to clean our ears is because of that substance called cerumen, commonly called earwax. It's normal for your body to produce it, and it actually helps protect and lubricate your ears. If you didn't have earwax, your ears would probably be itchy and dry. It even has antibacterial properties, which means your ears are self-cleaning. Earwax is like a filter for your ears, keeping out harmful things like dirt and dust, and trapping them so they don't go deep inside. When you chew and move your jaw, you help move old earwax out of the ear canal to the ear opening. That's where it usually dries up and falls out. But earwax isn't formed in the deep part of your ear canal; it's made in the outer section. So, the only reason you'd have an earwax blockage up against your eardrum, is because you tried to clean your ears with a cotton swab -- or something like it -- and pushed the wax in deeper. Swabbing or sticking pointy objects inside your ear can cause other serious problems: Infection Rupture of the eardrum Significant hearing loss Ideally, no; your ear canals shouldn't need cleaning. But if too much earwax builds up and starts to cause symptoms or it keeps your doctor from doing a proper ear exam, you might have something called cerumen impaction. This means earwax has completely filled your ear canal and it can happen in one or both ears. The symptoms of cerumen impaction are: Pain or a feeling of fullness in your ear Feeling like your ear is plugged Partial loss of hearing, which worsens over time Ringing in your ear, known as tinnitus Itching, discharge, or a smell coming from your ear Coughing This kind of earwax buildup is rare, but it can happen. But if you're experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, don't assume earwax is the problem. Call your doctor. He can examine your ears and figure out the cause. Your doctor can look into your ear canal with a special device and remove any earwax with small instruments, suction, or irrigation. If your problem isn't serious, but you do feel like you have too much earwax buildup, you can gently clean the outside of your ears. Just use a washcloth. You also can try putting a few drops of baby oil, mineral oil, or glycerin in your ear to soften the wax. Or you can use an over-the-counter wax removal kit. Besides cotton swabs or any other small or pointy objects, DON' T use these to clean your ears: Hydrogen peroxide. If the problem isn't an earwax buildup, but something more serious, peroxide can make the problem much worse. Ear candles. Studies show they're not effective and they can even cause injury. These hollow candles are supposed to be inserted into the ear canal and lit at the exposed end, but the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA) has found they can cause burns and even pierce the inside of the ear.,Some people swear by their cotton swabs, and others say ear candles are the way to go.Maybe you're one of those that says you should never even clean your ears.About the only thing doctors do agree on putting anything inside your ear is a bad idea.Your ears usually do a good job cleaning themselves and don't need any extra care.The only reason you should clean them is to soften or remove earwax from the outside of your ear canals.And if you're going to do that, you'll need to know how to do it carefully.The reason we feel tempted to clean our ears is because of that substance called cerumen, commonly called earwax.It's normal for your body to produce it, and it actually helps protect and lubricate your ears.If you didn't have earwax, your ears would probably be itchy and dry.It even has antibacterial properties, which means your ears are self-cleaning.Earwax is like a filter for your ears, keeping out harmful things like dirt and dust, and trapping them so they don't go deep inside.When you chew and move your jaw, you help move old earwax out of the ear canal to the ear opening.That's where it usually dries up and falls out.But earwax isn't formed in the deep part of your ear canal; it's made in the outer section.So, the only reason you'd have an earwax blockage up against your eardrum, is because you tried to clean your ears with a cotton swab -- or something like it -- and pushed the wax in deeper.Swabbing or sticking pointy objects inside your ear can cause other serious problems: Infection Rupture of the eardrum Significant hearing loss Ideally, no; your ear canals shouldn't need cleaning.But if too much earwax builds up and starts to cause symptoms or it keeps your doctor from doing a proper ear exam, you might have something called cerumen impaction.This means earwax has completely filled your ear canal and it can happen in one or both ears.The symptoms of cerumen impaction are: Pain or a feeling of fullness in your ear Feeling like your ear is plugged Partial loss of hearing, which worsens over time Ringing in your ear, known as tinnitus Itching, discharge, or a smell coming from your ear Coughing This kind of earwax buildup is rare, but it can happen.But if you're experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, don't assume earwax is the problem.Call your doctor.He can examine your ears and figure out the cause.Your doctor can look into your ear canal with a special device and remove any earwax with small instruments, suction, or irrigation.If your problem isn't serious, but you do feel like you have too much earwax buildup, you can gently clean the outside of your ears.Just use a washcloth.You also can try putting a few drops of baby oil, mineral oil, or glycerin in your ear to soften the wax.Or you can use an over-the-counter wax removal kit.Besides cotton swabs or any other small or pointy objects, DON' T use these to clean your ears: Hydrogen peroxide.If the problem isn't an earwax buildup, but something more serious, peroxide can make the problem much worse.Ear candles.Studies show they're not effective and they can even cause injury.These hollow candles are supposed to be inserted into the ear canal and lit at the exposed end, but the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA) has found they can cause burns and even pierce the inside of the ear.

<human>: How does someone properly clean their ears? <bot>: If your problem isn't serious, but you do feel like you have too much earwax buildup, you can gently clean the outside of your ears. Just use a washcloth. You also can try putting a few drops of baby oil, mineral oil, or glycerin in your ear to soften the wax. Or you can use an over-the-counter wax removal kit.,context:Some people swear by their cotton swabs, and others say ear candles are the way to go. Maybe you're one of those that says you should never even clean your ears. About the only thing doctors do agree on putting anything inside your ear is a bad idea. Your ears usually do a good job cleaning themselves and don't need any extra care. The only reason you should clean them is to soften or remove earwax from the outside of your ear canals. And if you're going to do that, you'll need to know how to do it carefully. The reason we feel tempted to clean our ears is because of that substance called cerumen, commonly called earwax. It's normal for your body to produce it, and it actually helps protect and lubricate your ears. If you didn't have earwax, your ears would probably be itchy and dry. It even has antibacterial properties, which means your ears are self-cleaning. Earwax is like a filter for your ears, keeping out harmful things like dirt and dust, and trapping them so they don't go deep inside. When you chew and move your jaw, you help move old earwax out of the ear canal to the ear opening. That's where it usually dries up and falls out. But earwax isn't formed in the deep part of your ear canal; it's made in the outer section. So, the only reason you'd have an earwax blockage up against your eardrum, is because you tried to clean your ears with a cotton swab -- or something like it -- and pushed the wax in deeper. Swabbing or sticking pointy objects inside your ear can cause other serious problems: Infection Rupture of the eardrum Significant hearing loss Ideally, no; your ear canals shouldn't need cleaning. But if too much earwax builds up and starts to cause symptoms or it keeps your doctor from doing a proper ear exam, you might have something called cerumen impaction. This means earwax has completely filled your ear canal and it can happen in one or both ears. The symptoms of cerumen impaction are: Pain or a feeling of fullness in your ear Feeling like your ear is plugged Partial loss of hearing, which worsens over time Ringing in your ear, known as tinnitus Itching, discharge, or a smell coming from your ear Coughing This kind of earwax buildup is rare, but it can happen. But if you're experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, don't assume earwax is the problem. Call your doctor. He can examine your ears and figure out the cause. Your doctor can look into your ear canal with a special device and remove any earwax with small instruments, suction, or irrigation. If your problem isn't serious, but you do feel like you have too much earwax buildup, you can gently clean the outside of your ears. Just use a washcloth. You also can try putting a few drops of baby oil, mineral oil, or glycerin in your ear to soften the wax. Or you can use an over-the-counter wax removal kit. Besides cotton swabs or any other small or pointy objects, DON' T use these to clean your ears: Hydrogen peroxide. If the problem isn't an earwax buildup, but something more serious, peroxide can make the problem much worse. Ear candles. Studies show they're not effective and they can even cause injury. These hollow candles are supposed to be inserted into the ear canal and lit at the exposed end, but the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA) has found they can cause burns and even pierce the inside of the ear.,Some people swear by their cotton swabs, and others say ear candles are the way to go.Maybe you're one of those that says you should never even clean your ears.About the only thing doctors do agree on putting anything inside your ear is a bad idea.Your ears usually do a good job cleaning themselves and don't need any extra care.The only reason you should clean them is to soften or remove earwax from the outside of your ear canals.And if you're going to do that, you'll need to know how to do it carefully.The reason we feel tempted to clean our ears is because of that substance called cerumen, commonly called earwax.It's normal for your body to produce it, and it actually helps protect and lubricate your ears.If you didn't have earwax, your ears would probably be itchy and dry.It even has antibacterial properties, which means your ears are self-cleaning.Earwax is like a filter for your ears, keeping out harmful things like dirt and dust, and trapping them so they don't go deep inside.When you chew and move your jaw, you help move old earwax out of the ear canal to the ear opening.That's where it usually dries up and falls out.But earwax isn't formed in the deep part of your ear canal; it's made in the outer section.So, the only reason you'd have an earwax blockage up against your eardrum, is because you tried to clean your ears with a cotton swab -- or something like it -- and pushed the wax in deeper.Swabbing or sticking pointy objects inside your ear can cause other serious problems: Infection Rupture of the eardrum Significant hearing loss Ideally, no; your ear canals shouldn't need cleaning.But if too much earwax builds up and starts to cause symptoms or it keeps your doctor from doing a proper ear exam, you might have something called cerumen impaction.This means earwax has completely filled your ear canal and it can happen in one or both ears.The symptoms of cerumen impaction are: Pain or a feeling of fullness in your ear Feeling like your ear is plugged Partial loss of hearing, which worsens over time Ringing in your ear, known as tinnitus Itching, discharge, or a smell coming from your ear Coughing This kind of earwax buildup is rare, but it can happen.But if you're experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, don't assume earwax is the problem.Call your doctor.He can examine your ears and figure out the cause.Your doctor can look into your ear canal with a special device and remove any earwax with small instruments, suction, or irrigation.If your problem isn't serious, but you do feel like you have too much earwax buildup, you can gently clean the outside of your ears.Just use a washcloth.You also can try putting a few drops of baby oil, mineral oil, or glycerin in your ear to soften the wax.Or you can use an over-the-counter wax removal kit.Besides cotton swabs or any other small or pointy objects, DON' T use these to clean your ears: Hydrogen peroxide.If the problem isn't an earwax buildup, but something more serious, peroxide can make the problem much worse.Ear candles.Studies show they're not effective and they can even cause injury.These hollow candles are supposed to be inserted into the ear canal and lit at the exposed end, but the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA) has found they can cause burns and even pierce the inside of the ear.

<human>: What should someone do when experiencing any symptoms of cerumen impaction? <bot>: The symptoms of cerumen impaction are: Pain or a feeling of fullness in your ear Feeling like your ear is plugged Partial loss of hearing, which worsens over time Ringing in your ear, known as tinnitus Itching, discharge, or a smell coming from your ear Coughing This kind of earwax buildup is rare, but it can happen. But if you're experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, don't assume earwax is the problem. Call your doctor. He can examine your ears and figure out the cause. Your doctor can look into your ear canal with a special device and remove any earwax with small instruments, suction, or irrigation.,context:Some people swear by their cotton swabs, and others say ear candles are the way to go. Maybe you're one of those that says you should never even clean your ears. About the only thing doctors do agree on putting anything inside your ear is a bad idea. Your ears usually do a good job cleaning themselves and don't need any extra care. The only reason you should clean them is to soften or remove earwax from the outside of your ear canals. And if you're going to do that, you'll need to know how to do it carefully. The reason we feel tempted to clean our ears is because of that substance called cerumen, commonly called earwax. It's normal for your body to produce it, and it actually helps protect and lubricate your ears. If you didn't have earwax, your ears would probably be itchy and dry. It even has antibacterial properties, which means your ears are self-cleaning. Earwax is like a filter for your ears, keeping out harmful things like dirt and dust, and trapping them so they don't go deep inside. When you chew and move your jaw, you help move old earwax out of the ear canal to the ear opening. That's where it usually dries up and falls out. But earwax isn't formed in the deep part of your ear canal; it's made in the outer section. So, the only reason you'd have an earwax blockage up against your eardrum, is because you tried to clean your ears with a cotton swab -- or something like it -- and pushed the wax in deeper. Swabbing or sticking pointy objects inside your ear can cause other serious problems: Infection Rupture of the eardrum Significant hearing loss Ideally, no; your ear canals shouldn't need cleaning. But if too much earwax builds up and starts to cause symptoms or it keeps your doctor from doing a proper ear exam, you might have something called cerumen impaction. This means earwax has completely filled your ear canal and it can happen in one or both ears. The symptoms of cerumen impaction are: Pain or a feeling of fullness in your ear Feeling like your ear is plugged Partial loss of hearing, which worsens over time Ringing in your ear, known as tinnitus Itching, discharge, or a smell coming from your ear Coughing This kind of earwax buildup is rare, but it can happen. But if you're experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, don't assume earwax is the problem. Call your doctor. He can examine your ears and figure out the cause. Your doctor can look into your ear canal with a special device and remove any earwax with small instruments, suction, or irrigation. If your problem isn't serious, but you do feel like you have too much earwax buildup, you can gently clean the outside of your ears. Just use a washcloth. You also can try putting a few drops of baby oil, mineral oil, or glycerin in your ear to soften the wax. Or you can use an over-the-counter wax removal kit. Besides cotton swabs or any other small or pointy objects, DON' T use these to clean your ears: Hydrogen peroxide. If the problem isn't an earwax buildup, but something more serious, peroxide can make the problem much worse. Ear candles. Studies show they're not effective and they can even cause injury. These hollow candles are supposed to be inserted into the ear canal and lit at the exposed end, but the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA) has found they can cause burns and even pierce the inside of the ear.,Some people swear by their cotton swabs, and others say ear candles are the way to go.Maybe you're one of those that says you should never even clean your ears.About the only thing doctors do agree on putting anything inside your ear is a bad idea.Your ears usually do a good job cleaning themselves and don't need any extra care.The only reason you should clean them is to soften or remove earwax from the outside of your ear canals.And if you're going to do that, you'll need to know how to do it carefully.The reason we feel tempted to clean our ears is because of that substance called cerumen, commonly called earwax.It's normal for your body to produce it, and it actually helps protect and lubricate your ears.If you didn't have earwax, your ears would probably be itchy and dry.It even has antibacterial properties, which means your ears are self-cleaning.Earwax is like a filter for your ears, keeping out harmful things like dirt and dust, and trapping them so they don't go deep inside.When you chew and move your jaw, you help move old earwax out of the ear canal to the ear opening.That's where it usually dries up and falls out.But earwax isn't formed in the deep part of your ear canal; it's made in the outer section.So, the only reason you'd have an earwax blockage up against your eardrum, is because you tried to clean your ears with a cotton swab -- or something like it -- and pushed the wax in deeper.Swabbing or sticking pointy objects inside your ear can cause other serious problems: Infection Rupture of the eardrum Significant hearing loss Ideally, no; your ear canals shouldn't need cleaning.But if too much earwax builds up and starts to cause symptoms or it keeps your doctor from doing a proper ear exam, you might have something called cerumen impaction.This means earwax has completely filled your ear canal and it can happen in one or both ears.The symptoms of cerumen impaction are: Pain or a feeling of fullness in your ear Feeling like your ear is plugged Partial loss of hearing, which worsens over time Ringing in your ear, known as tinnitus Itching, discharge, or a smell coming from your ear Coughing This kind of earwax buildup is rare, but it can happen.But if you're experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, don't assume earwax is the problem.Call your doctor.He can examine your ears and figure out the cause.Your doctor can look into your ear canal with a special device and remove any earwax with small instruments, suction, or irrigation.If your problem isn't serious, but you do feel like you have too much earwax buildup, you can gently clean the outside of your ears.Just use a washcloth.You also can try putting a few drops of baby oil, mineral oil, or glycerin in your ear to soften the wax.Or you can use an over-the-counter wax removal kit.Besides cotton swabs or any other small or pointy objects, DON' T use these to clean your ears: Hydrogen peroxide.If the problem isn't an earwax buildup, but something more serious, peroxide can make the problem much worse.Ear candles.Studies show they're not effective and they can even cause injury.These hollow candles are supposed to be inserted into the ear canal and lit at the exposed end, but the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA) has found they can cause burns and even pierce the inside of the ear.

<human>: What problems can occur when swabbing or sticking pointy objects inside the ear? <bot>: Swabbing or sticking pointy objects inside your ear can cause other serious problems: Infection Rupture of the eardrum Significant hearing loss Ideally, no; your ear canals shouldn't need cleaning.,context:Some people swear by their cotton swabs, and others say ear candles are the way to go. Maybe you're one of those that says you should never even clean your ears. About the only thing doctors do agree on putting anything inside your ear is a bad idea. Your ears usually do a good job cleaning themselves and don't need any extra care. The only reason you should clean them is to soften or remove earwax from the outside of your ear canals. And if you're going to do that, you'll need to know how to do it carefully. The reason we feel tempted to clean our ears is because of that substance called cerumen, commonly called earwax. It's normal for your body to produce it, and it actually helps protect and lubricate your ears. If you didn't have earwax, your ears would probably be itchy and dry. It even has antibacterial properties, which means your ears are self-cleaning. Earwax is like a filter for your ears, keeping out harmful things like dirt and dust, and trapping them so they don't go deep inside. When you chew and move your jaw, you help move old earwax out of the ear canal to the ear opening. That's where it usually dries up and falls out. But earwax isn't formed in the deep part of your ear canal; it's made in the outer section. So, the only reason you'd have an earwax blockage up against your eardrum, is because you tried to clean your ears with a cotton swab -- or something like it -- and pushed the wax in deeper. Swabbing or sticking pointy objects inside your ear can cause other serious problems: Infection Rupture of the eardrum Significant hearing loss Ideally, no; your ear canals shouldn't need cleaning. But if too much earwax builds up and starts to cause symptoms or it keeps your doctor from doing a proper ear exam, you might have something called cerumen impaction. This means earwax has completely filled your ear canal and it can happen in one or both ears. The symptoms of cerumen impaction are: Pain or a feeling of fullness in your ear Feeling like your ear is plugged Partial loss of hearing, which worsens over time Ringing in your ear, known as tinnitus Itching, discharge, or a smell coming from your ear Coughing This kind of earwax buildup is rare, but it can happen. But if you're experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, don't assume earwax is the problem. Call your doctor. He can examine your ears and figure out the cause. Your doctor can look into your ear canal with a special device and remove any earwax with small instruments, suction, or irrigation. If your problem isn't serious, but you do feel like you have too much earwax buildup, you can gently clean the outside of your ears. Just use a washcloth. You also can try putting a few drops of baby oil, mineral oil, or glycerin in your ear to soften the wax. Or you can use an over-the-counter wax removal kit. Besides cotton swabs or any other small or pointy objects, DON' T use these to clean your ears: Hydrogen peroxide. If the problem isn't an earwax buildup, but something more serious, peroxide can make the problem much worse. Ear candles. Studies show they're not effective and they can even cause injury. These hollow candles are supposed to be inserted into the ear canal and lit at the exposed end, but the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA) has found they can cause burns and even pierce the inside of the ear.,Some people swear by their cotton swabs, and others say ear candles are the way to go.Maybe you're one of those that says you should never even clean your ears.About the only thing doctors do agree on putting anything inside your ear is a bad idea.Your ears usually do a good job cleaning themselves and don't need any extra care.The only reason you should clean them is to soften or remove earwax from the outside of your ear canals.And if you're going to do that, you'll need to know how to do it carefully.The reason we feel tempted to clean our ears is because of that substance called cerumen, commonly called earwax.It's normal for your body to produce it, and it actually helps protect and lubricate your ears.If you didn't have earwax, your ears would probably be itchy and dry.It even has antibacterial properties, which means your ears are self-cleaning.Earwax is like a filter for your ears, keeping out harmful things like dirt and dust, and trapping them so they don't go deep inside.When you chew and move your jaw, you help move old earwax out of the ear canal to the ear opening.That's where it usually dries up and falls out.But earwax isn't formed in the deep part of your ear canal; it's made in the outer section.So, the only reason you'd have an earwax blockage up against your eardrum, is because you tried to clean your ears with a cotton swab -- or something like it -- and pushed the wax in deeper.Swabbing or sticking pointy objects inside your ear can cause other serious problems: Infection Rupture of the eardrum Significant hearing loss Ideally, no; your ear canals shouldn't need cleaning.But if too much earwax builds up and starts to cause symptoms or it keeps your doctor from doing a proper ear exam, you might have something called cerumen impaction.This means earwax has completely filled your ear canal and it can happen in one or both ears.The symptoms of cerumen impaction are: Pain or a feeling of fullness in your ear Feeling like your ear is plugged Partial loss of hearing, which worsens over time Ringing in your ear, known as tinnitus Itching, discharge, or a smell coming from your ear Coughing This kind of earwax buildup is rare, but it can happen.But if you're experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, don't assume earwax is the problem.Call your doctor.He can examine your ears and figure out the cause.Your doctor can look into your ear canal with a special device and remove any earwax with small instruments, suction, or irrigation.If your problem isn't serious, but you do feel like you have too much earwax buildup, you can gently clean the outside of your ears.Just use a washcloth.You also can try putting a few drops of baby oil, mineral oil, or glycerin in your ear to soften the wax.Or you can use an over-the-counter wax removal kit.Besides cotton swabs or any other small or pointy objects, DON' T use these to clean your ears: Hydrogen peroxide.If the problem isn't an earwax buildup, but something more serious, peroxide can make the problem much worse.Ear candles.Studies show they're not effective and they can even cause injury.These hollow candles are supposed to be inserted into the ear canal and lit at the exposed end, but the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA) has found they can cause burns and even pierce the inside of the ear.

<human>: What is the only reason someone should clean out their ears? <bot>: About the only thing doctors do agree on putting anything inside your ear is a bad idea. Your ears usually do a good job cleaning themselves and don't need any extra care. The only reason you should clean them is to soften or remove earwax from the outside of your ear canals. And if you're going to do that, you'll need to know how to do it carefully.,context:Some people swear by their cotton swabs, and others say ear candles are the way to go. Maybe you're one of those that says you should never even clean your ears. About the only thing doctors do agree on putting anything inside your ear is a bad idea. Your ears usually do a good job cleaning themselves and don't need any extra care. The only reason you should clean them is to soften or remove earwax from the outside of your ear canals. And if you're going to do that, you'll need to know how to do it carefully. The reason we feel tempted to clean our ears is because of that substance called cerumen, commonly called earwax. It's normal for your body to produce it, and it actually helps protect and lubricate your ears. If you didn't have earwax, your ears would probably be itchy and dry. It even has antibacterial properties, which means your ears are self-cleaning. Earwax is like a filter for your ears, keeping out harmful things like dirt and dust, and trapping them so they don't go deep inside. When you chew and move your jaw, you help move old earwax out of the ear canal to the ear opening. That's where it usually dries up and falls out. But earwax isn't formed in the deep part of your ear canal; it's made in the outer section. So, the only reason you'd have an earwax blockage up against your eardrum, is because you tried to clean your ears with a cotton swab -- or something like it -- and pushed the wax in deeper. Swabbing or sticking pointy objects inside your ear can cause other serious problems: Infection Rupture of the eardrum Significant hearing loss Ideally, no; your ear canals shouldn't need cleaning. But if too much earwax builds up and starts to cause symptoms or it keeps your doctor from doing a proper ear exam, you might have something called cerumen impaction. This means earwax has completely filled your ear canal and it can happen in one or both ears. The symptoms of cerumen impaction are: Pain or a feeling of fullness in your ear Feeling like your ear is plugged Partial loss of hearing, which worsens over time Ringing in your ear, known as tinnitus Itching, discharge, or a smell coming from your ear Coughing This kind of earwax buildup is rare, but it can happen. But if you're experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, don't assume earwax is the problem. Call your doctor. He can examine your ears and figure out the cause. Your doctor can look into your ear canal with a special device and remove any earwax with small instruments, suction, or irrigation. If your problem isn't serious, but you do feel like you have too much earwax buildup, you can gently clean the outside of your ears. Just use a washcloth. You also can try putting a few drops of baby oil, mineral oil, or glycerin in your ear to soften the wax. Or you can use an over-the-counter wax removal kit. Besides cotton swabs or any other small or pointy objects, DON' T use these to clean your ears: Hydrogen peroxide. If the problem isn't an earwax buildup, but something more serious, peroxide can make the problem much worse. Ear candles. Studies show they're not effective and they can even cause injury. These hollow candles are supposed to be inserted into the ear canal and lit at the exposed end, but the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA) has found they can cause burns and even pierce the inside of the ear.,Some people swear by their cotton swabs, and others say ear candles are the way to go.Maybe you're one of those that says you should never even clean your ears.About the only thing doctors do agree on putting anything inside your ear is a bad idea.Your ears usually do a good job cleaning themselves and don't need any extra care.The only reason you should clean them is to soften or remove earwax from the outside of your ear canals.And if you're going to do that, you'll need to know how to do it carefully.The reason we feel tempted to clean our ears is because of that substance called cerumen, commonly called earwax.It's normal for your body to produce it, and it actually helps protect and lubricate your ears.If you didn't have earwax, your ears would probably be itchy and dry.It even has antibacterial properties, which means your ears are self-cleaning.Earwax is like a filter for your ears, keeping out harmful things like dirt and dust, and trapping them so they don't go deep inside.When you chew and move your jaw, you help move old earwax out of the ear canal to the ear opening.That's where it usually dries up and falls out.But earwax isn't formed in the deep part of your ear canal; it's made in the outer section.So, the only reason you'd have an earwax blockage up against your eardrum, is because you tried to clean your ears with a cotton swab -- or something like it -- and pushed the wax in deeper.Swabbing or sticking pointy objects inside your ear can cause other serious problems: Infection Rupture of the eardrum Significant hearing loss Ideally, no; your ear canals shouldn't need cleaning.But if too much earwax builds up and starts to cause symptoms or it keeps your doctor from doing a proper ear exam, you might have something called cerumen impaction.This means earwax has completely filled your ear canal and it can happen in one or both ears.The symptoms of cerumen impaction are: Pain or a feeling of fullness in your ear Feeling like your ear is plugged Partial loss of hearing, which worsens over time Ringing in your ear, known as tinnitus Itching, discharge, or a smell coming from your ear Coughing This kind of earwax buildup is rare, but it can happen.But if you're experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, don't assume earwax is the problem.Call your doctor.He can examine your ears and figure out the cause.Your doctor can look into your ear canal with a special device and remove any earwax with small instruments, suction, or irrigation.If your problem isn't serious, but you do feel like you have too much earwax buildup, you can gently clean the outside of your ears.Just use a washcloth.You also can try putting a few drops of baby oil, mineral oil, or glycerin in your ear to soften the wax.Or you can use an over-the-counter wax removal kit.Besides cotton swabs or any other small or pointy objects, DON' T use these to clean your ears: Hydrogen peroxide.If the problem isn't an earwax buildup, but something more serious, peroxide can make the problem much worse.Ear candles.Studies show they're not effective and they can even cause injury.These hollow candles are supposed to be inserted into the ear canal and lit at the exposed end, but the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA) has found they can cause burns and even pierce the inside of the ear.

<human>: Should someone clean their ears? <bot>: Swabbing or sticking pointy objects inside your ear can cause other serious problems: Infection Rupture of the eardrum Significant hearing loss Ideally, no; your ear canals shouldn't need cleaning. But if too much earwax builds up and starts to cause symptoms or it keeps your doctor from doing a proper ear exam, you might have something called cerumen impaction. This means earwax has completely filled your ear canal and it can happen in one or both ears.,context:Some people swear by their cotton swabs, and others say ear candles are the way to go. Maybe you're one of those that says you should never even clean your ears. About the only thing doctors do agree on putting anything inside your ear is a bad idea. Your ears usually do a good job cleaning themselves and don't need any extra care. The only reason you should clean them is to soften or remove earwax from the outside of your ear canals. And if you're going to do that, you'll need to know how to do it carefully. The reason we feel tempted to clean our ears is because of that substance called cerumen, commonly called earwax. It's normal for your body to produce it, and it actually helps protect and lubricate your ears. If you didn't have earwax, your ears would probably be itchy and dry. It even has antibacterial properties, which means your ears are self-cleaning. Earwax is like a filter for your ears, keeping out harmful things like dirt and dust, and trapping them so they don't go deep inside. When you chew and move your jaw, you help move old earwax out of the ear canal to the ear opening. That's where it usually dries up and falls out. But earwax isn't formed in the deep part of your ear canal; it's made in the outer section. So, the only reason you'd have an earwax blockage up against your eardrum, is because you tried to clean your ears with a cotton swab -- or something like it -- and pushed the wax in deeper. Swabbing or sticking pointy objects inside your ear can cause other serious problems: Infection Rupture of the eardrum Significant hearing loss Ideally, no; your ear canals shouldn't need cleaning. But if too much earwax builds up and starts to cause symptoms or it keeps your doctor from doing a proper ear exam, you might have something called cerumen impaction. This means earwax has completely filled your ear canal and it can happen in one or both ears. The symptoms of cerumen impaction are: Pain or a feeling of fullness in your ear Feeling like your ear is plugged Partial loss of hearing, which worsens over time Ringing in your ear, known as tinnitus Itching, discharge, or a smell coming from your ear Coughing This kind of earwax buildup is rare, but it can happen. But if you're experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, don't assume earwax is the problem. Call your doctor. He can examine your ears and figure out the cause. Your doctor can look into your ear canal with a special device and remove any earwax with small instruments, suction, or irrigation. If your problem isn't serious, but you do feel like you have too much earwax buildup, you can gently clean the outside of your ears. Just use a washcloth. You also can try putting a few drops of baby oil, mineral oil, or glycerin in your ear to soften the wax. Or you can use an over-the-counter wax removal kit. Besides cotton swabs or any other small or pointy objects, DON' T use these to clean your ears: Hydrogen peroxide. If the problem isn't an earwax buildup, but something more serious, peroxide can make the problem much worse. Ear candles. Studies show they're not effective and they can even cause injury. These hollow candles are supposed to be inserted into the ear canal and lit at the exposed end, but the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA) has found they can cause burns and even pierce the inside of the ear.,Some people swear by their cotton swabs, and others say ear candles are the way to go.Maybe you're one of those that says you should never even clean your ears.About the only thing doctors do agree on putting anything inside your ear is a bad idea.Your ears usually do a good job cleaning themselves and don't need any extra care.The only reason you should clean them is to soften or remove earwax from the outside of your ear canals.And if you're going to do that, you'll need to know how to do it carefully.The reason we feel tempted to clean our ears is because of that substance called cerumen, commonly called earwax.It's normal for your body to produce it, and it actually helps protect and lubricate your ears.If you didn't have earwax, your ears would probably be itchy and dry.It even has antibacterial properties, which means your ears are self-cleaning.Earwax is like a filter for your ears, keeping out harmful things like dirt and dust, and trapping them so they don't go deep inside.When you chew and move your jaw, you help move old earwax out of the ear canal to the ear opening.That's where it usually dries up and falls out.But earwax isn't formed in the deep part of your ear canal; it's made in the outer section.So, the only reason you'd have an earwax blockage up against your eardrum, is because you tried to clean your ears with a cotton swab -- or something like it -- and pushed the wax in deeper.Swabbing or sticking pointy objects inside your ear can cause other serious problems: Infection Rupture of the eardrum Significant hearing loss Ideally, no; your ear canals shouldn't need cleaning.But if too much earwax builds up and starts to cause symptoms or it keeps your doctor from doing a proper ear exam, you might have something called cerumen impaction.This means earwax has completely filled your ear canal and it can happen in one or both ears.The symptoms of cerumen impaction are: Pain or a feeling of fullness in your ear Feeling like your ear is plugged Partial loss of hearing, which worsens over time Ringing in your ear, known as tinnitus Itching, discharge, or a smell coming from your ear Coughing This kind of earwax buildup is rare, but it can happen.But if you're experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, don't assume earwax is the problem.Call your doctor.He can examine your ears and figure out the cause.Your doctor can look into your ear canal with a special device and remove any earwax with small instruments, suction, or irrigation.If your problem isn't serious, but you do feel like you have too much earwax buildup, you can gently clean the outside of your ears.Just use a washcloth.You also can try putting a few drops of baby oil, mineral oil, or glycerin in your ear to soften the wax.Or you can use an over-the-counter wax removal kit.Besides cotton swabs or any other small or pointy objects, DON' T use these to clean your ears: Hydrogen peroxide.If the problem isn't an earwax buildup, but something more serious, peroxide can make the problem much worse.Ear candles.Studies show they're not effective and they can even cause injury.These hollow candles are supposed to be inserted into the ear canal and lit at the exposed end, but the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA) has found they can cause burns and even pierce the inside of the ear.

<human>: How do some people clean their ears? <bot>: Maybe you're one of those that says you should never even clean your ears. Ear candles.,context:Some people swear by their cotton swabs, and others say ear candles are the way to go. Maybe you're one of those that says you should never even clean your ears. About the only thing doctors do agree on putting anything inside your ear is a bad idea. Your ears usually do a good job cleaning themselves and don't need any extra care. The only reason you should clean them is to soften or remove earwax from the outside of your ear canals. And if you're going to do that, you'll need to know how to do it carefully. The reason we feel tempted to clean our ears is because of that substance called cerumen, commonly called earwax. It's normal for your body to produce it, and it actually helps protect and lubricate your ears. If you didn't have earwax, your ears would probably be itchy and dry. It even has antibacterial properties, which means your ears are self-cleaning. Earwax is like a filter for your ears, keeping out harmful things like dirt and dust, and trapping them so they don't go deep inside. When you chew and move your jaw, you help move old earwax out of the ear canal to the ear opening. That's where it usually dries up and falls out. But earwax isn't formed in the deep part of your ear canal; it's made in the outer section. So, the only reason you'd have an earwax blockage up against your eardrum, is because you tried to clean your ears with a cotton swab -- or something like it -- and pushed the wax in deeper. Swabbing or sticking pointy objects inside your ear can cause other serious problems: Infection Rupture of the eardrum Significant hearing loss Ideally, no; your ear canals shouldn't need cleaning. But if too much earwax builds up and starts to cause symptoms or it keeps your doctor from doing a proper ear exam, you might have something called cerumen impaction. This means earwax has completely filled your ear canal and it can happen in one or both ears. The symptoms of cerumen impaction are: Pain or a feeling of fullness in your ear Feeling like your ear is plugged Partial loss of hearing, which worsens over time Ringing in your ear, known as tinnitus Itching, discharge, or a smell coming from your ear Coughing This kind of earwax buildup is rare, but it can happen. But if you're experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, don't assume earwax is the problem. Call your doctor. He can examine your ears and figure out the cause. Your doctor can look into your ear canal with a special device and remove any earwax with small instruments, suction, or irrigation. If your problem isn't serious, but you do feel like you have too much earwax buildup, you can gently clean the outside of your ears. Just use a washcloth. You also can try putting a few drops of baby oil, mineral oil, or glycerin in your ear to soften the wax. Or you can use an over-the-counter wax removal kit. Besides cotton swabs or any other small or pointy objects, DON' T use these to clean your ears: Hydrogen peroxide. If the problem isn't an earwax buildup, but something more serious, peroxide can make the problem much worse. Ear candles. Studies show they're not effective and they can even cause injury. These hollow candles are supposed to be inserted into the ear canal and lit at the exposed end, but the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA) has found they can cause burns and even pierce the inside of the ear.,Some people swear by their cotton swabs, and others say ear candles are the way to go.Maybe you're one of those that says you should never even clean your ears.About the only thing doctors do agree on putting anything inside your ear is a bad idea.Your ears usually do a good job cleaning themselves and don't need any extra care.The only reason you should clean them is to soften or remove earwax from the outside of your ear canals.And if you're going to do that, you'll need to know how to do it carefully.The reason we feel tempted to clean our ears is because of that substance called cerumen, commonly called earwax.It's normal for your body to produce it, and it actually helps protect and lubricate your ears.If you didn't have earwax, your ears would probably be itchy and dry.It even has antibacterial properties, which means your ears are self-cleaning.Earwax is like a filter for your ears, keeping out harmful things like dirt and dust, and trapping them so they don't go deep inside.When you chew and move your jaw, you help move old earwax out of the ear canal to the ear opening.That's where it usually dries up and falls out.But earwax isn't formed in the deep part of your ear canal; it's made in the outer section.So, the only reason you'd have an earwax blockage up against your eardrum, is because you tried to clean your ears with a cotton swab -- or something like it -- and pushed the wax in deeper.Swabbing or sticking pointy objects inside your ear can cause other serious problems: Infection Rupture of the eardrum Significant hearing loss Ideally, no; your ear canals shouldn't need cleaning.But if too much earwax builds up and starts to cause symptoms or it keeps your doctor from doing a proper ear exam, you might have something called cerumen impaction.This means earwax has completely filled your ear canal and it can happen in one or both ears.The symptoms of cerumen impaction are: Pain or a feeling of fullness in your ear Feeling like your ear is plugged Partial loss of hearing, which worsens over time Ringing in your ear, known as tinnitus Itching, discharge, or a smell coming from your ear Coughing This kind of earwax buildup is rare, but it can happen.But if you're experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, don't assume earwax is the problem.Call your doctor.He can examine your ears and figure out the cause.Your doctor can look into your ear canal with a special device and remove any earwax with small instruments, suction, or irrigation.If your problem isn't serious, but you do feel like you have too much earwax buildup, you can gently clean the outside of your ears.Just use a washcloth.You also can try putting a few drops of baby oil, mineral oil, or glycerin in your ear to soften the wax.Or you can use an over-the-counter wax removal kit.Besides cotton swabs or any other small or pointy objects, DON' T use these to clean your ears: Hydrogen peroxide.If the problem isn't an earwax buildup, but something more serious, peroxide can make the problem much worse.Ear candles.Studies show they're not effective and they can even cause injury.These hollow candles are supposed to be inserted into the ear canal and lit at the exposed end, but the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA) has found they can cause burns and even pierce the inside of the ear.

<human>: What products should never be used to clean ears? <bot>: Swabbing or sticking pointy objects inside your ear can cause other serious problems: Infection Rupture of the eardrum Significant hearing loss Ideally, no; your ear canals shouldn't need cleaning. If the problem isn't an earwax buildup, but something more serious, peroxide can make the problem much worse. Ear candles. Studies show they're not effective and they can even cause injury. These hollow candles are supposed to be inserted into the ear canal and lit at the exposed end, but the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA) has found they can cause burns and even pierce the inside of the ear.,context:Some people swear by their cotton swabs, and others say ear candles are the way to go. Maybe you're one of those that says you should never even clean your ears. About the only thing doctors do agree on putting anything inside your ear is a bad idea. Your ears usually do a good job cleaning themselves and don't need any extra care. The only reason you should clean them is to soften or remove earwax from the outside of your ear canals. And if you're going to do that, you'll need to know how to do it carefully. The reason we feel tempted to clean our ears is because of that substance called cerumen, commonly called earwax. It's normal for your body to produce it, and it actually helps protect and lubricate your ears. If you didn't have earwax, your ears would probably be itchy and dry. It even has antibacterial properties, which means your ears are self-cleaning. Earwax is like a filter for your ears, keeping out harmful things like dirt and dust, and trapping them so they don't go deep inside. When you chew and move your jaw, you help move old earwax out of the ear canal to the ear opening. That's where it usually dries up and falls out. But earwax isn't formed in the deep part of your ear canal; it's made in the outer section. So, the only reason you'd have an earwax blockage up against your eardrum, is because you tried to clean your ears with a cotton swab -- or something like it -- and pushed the wax in deeper. Swabbing or sticking pointy objects inside your ear can cause other serious problems: Infection Rupture of the eardrum Significant hearing loss Ideally, no; your ear canals shouldn't need cleaning. But if too much earwax builds up and starts to cause symptoms or it keeps your doctor from doing a proper ear exam, you might have something called cerumen impaction. This means earwax has completely filled your ear canal and it can happen in one or both ears. The symptoms of cerumen impaction are: Pain or a feeling of fullness in your ear Feeling like your ear is plugged Partial loss of hearing, which worsens over time Ringing in your ear, known as tinnitus Itching, discharge, or a smell coming from your ear Coughing This kind of earwax buildup is rare, but it can happen. But if you're experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, don't assume earwax is the problem. Call your doctor. He can examine your ears and figure out the cause. Your doctor can look into your ear canal with a special device and remove any earwax with small instruments, suction, or irrigation. If your problem isn't serious, but you do feel like you have too much earwax buildup, you can gently clean the outside of your ears. Just use a washcloth. You also can try putting a few drops of baby oil, mineral oil, or glycerin in your ear to soften the wax. Or you can use an over-the-counter wax removal kit. Besides cotton swabs or any other small or pointy objects, DON' T use these to clean your ears: Hydrogen peroxide. If the problem isn't an earwax buildup, but something more serious, peroxide can make the problem much worse. Ear candles. Studies show they're not effective and they can even cause injury. These hollow candles are supposed to be inserted into the ear canal and lit at the exposed end, but the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA) has found they can cause burns and even pierce the inside of the ear.,Some people swear by their cotton swabs, and others say ear candles are the way to go.Maybe you're one of those that says you should never even clean your ears.About the only thing doctors do agree on putting anything inside your ear is a bad idea.Your ears usually do a good job cleaning themselves and don't need any extra care.The only reason you should clean them is to soften or remove earwax from the outside of your ear canals.And if you're going to do that, you'll need to know how to do it carefully.The reason we feel tempted to clean our ears is because of that substance called cerumen, commonly called earwax.It's normal for your body to produce it, and it actually helps protect and lubricate your ears.If you didn't have earwax, your ears would probably be itchy and dry.It even has antibacterial properties, which means your ears are self-cleaning.Earwax is like a filter for your ears, keeping out harmful things like dirt and dust, and trapping them so they don't go deep inside.When you chew and move your jaw, you help move old earwax out of the ear canal to the ear opening.That's where it usually dries up and falls out.But earwax isn't formed in the deep part of your ear canal; it's made in the outer section.So, the only reason you'd have an earwax blockage up against your eardrum, is because you tried to clean your ears with a cotton swab -- or something like it -- and pushed the wax in deeper.Swabbing or sticking pointy objects inside your ear can cause other serious problems: Infection Rupture of the eardrum Significant hearing loss Ideally, no; your ear canals shouldn't need cleaning.But if too much earwax builds up and starts to cause symptoms or it keeps your doctor from doing a proper ear exam, you might have something called cerumen impaction.This means earwax has completely filled your ear canal and it can happen in one or both ears.The symptoms of cerumen impaction are: Pain or a feeling of fullness in your ear Feeling like your ear is plugged Partial loss of hearing, which worsens over time Ringing in your ear, known as tinnitus Itching, discharge, or a smell coming from your ear Coughing This kind of earwax buildup is rare, but it can happen.But if you're experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, don't assume earwax is the problem.Call your doctor.He can examine your ears and figure out the cause.Your doctor can look into your ear canal with a special device and remove any earwax with small instruments, suction, or irrigation.If your problem isn't serious, but you do feel like you have too much earwax buildup, you can gently clean the outside of your ears.Just use a washcloth.You also can try putting a few drops of baby oil, mineral oil, or glycerin in your ear to soften the wax.Or you can use an over-the-counter wax removal kit.Besides cotton swabs or any other small or pointy objects, DON' T use these to clean your ears: Hydrogen peroxide.If the problem isn't an earwax buildup, but something more serious, peroxide can make the problem much worse.Ear candles.Studies show they're not effective and they can even cause injury.These hollow candles are supposed to be inserted into the ear canal and lit at the exposed end, but the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA) has found they can cause burns and even pierce the inside of the ear.

<human>: Why do our ears make wax? <bot>: The only reason you should clean them is to soften or remove earwax from the outside of your ear canals. It's normal for your body to produce it, and it actually helps protect and lubricate your ears. If you didn't have earwax, your ears would probably be itchy and dry.,context:Some people swear by their cotton swabs, and others say ear candles are the way to go. Maybe you're one of those that says you should never even clean your ears. About the only thing doctors do agree on putting anything inside your ear is a bad idea. Your ears usually do a good job cleaning themselves and don't need any extra care. The only reason you should clean them is to soften or remove earwax from the outside of your ear canals. And if you're going to do that, you'll need to know how to do it carefully. The reason we feel tempted to clean our ears is because of that substance called cerumen, commonly called earwax. It's normal for your body to produce it, and it actually helps protect and lubricate your ears. If you didn't have earwax, your ears would probably be itchy and dry. It even has antibacterial properties, which means your ears are self-cleaning. Earwax is like a filter for your ears, keeping out harmful things like dirt and dust, and trapping them so they don't go deep inside. When you chew and move your jaw, you help move old earwax out of the ear canal to the ear opening. That's where it usually dries up and falls out. But earwax isn't formed in the deep part of your ear canal; it's made in the outer section. So, the only reason you'd have an earwax blockage up against your eardrum, is because you tried to clean your ears with a cotton swab -- or something like it -- and pushed the wax in deeper. Swabbing or sticking pointy objects inside your ear can cause other serious problems: Infection Rupture of the eardrum Significant hearing loss Ideally, no; your ear canals shouldn't need cleaning. But if too much earwax builds up and starts to cause symptoms or it keeps your doctor from doing a proper ear exam, you might have something called cerumen impaction. This means earwax has completely filled your ear canal and it can happen in one or both ears. The symptoms of cerumen impaction are: Pain or a feeling of fullness in your ear Feeling like your ear is plugged Partial loss of hearing, which worsens over time Ringing in your ear, known as tinnitus Itching, discharge, or a smell coming from your ear Coughing This kind of earwax buildup is rare, but it can happen. But if you're experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, don't assume earwax is the problem. Call your doctor. He can examine your ears and figure out the cause. Your doctor can look into your ear canal with a special device and remove any earwax with small instruments, suction, or irrigation. If your problem isn't serious, but you do feel like you have too much earwax buildup, you can gently clean the outside of your ears. Just use a washcloth. You also can try putting a few drops of baby oil, mineral oil, or glycerin in your ear to soften the wax. Or you can use an over-the-counter wax removal kit. Besides cotton swabs or any other small or pointy objects, DON' T use these to clean your ears: Hydrogen peroxide. If the problem isn't an earwax buildup, but something more serious, peroxide can make the problem much worse. Ear candles. Studies show they're not effective and they can even cause injury. These hollow candles are supposed to be inserted into the ear canal and lit at the exposed end, but the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA) has found they can cause burns and even pierce the inside of the ear.,Some people swear by their cotton swabs, and others say ear candles are the way to go.Maybe you're one of those that says you should never even clean your ears.About the only thing doctors do agree on putting anything inside your ear is a bad idea.Your ears usually do a good job cleaning themselves and don't need any extra care.The only reason you should clean them is to soften or remove earwax from the outside of your ear canals.And if you're going to do that, you'll need to know how to do it carefully.The reason we feel tempted to clean our ears is because of that substance called cerumen, commonly called earwax.It's normal for your body to produce it, and it actually helps protect and lubricate your ears.If you didn't have earwax, your ears would probably be itchy and dry.It even has antibacterial properties, which means your ears are self-cleaning.Earwax is like a filter for your ears, keeping out harmful things like dirt and dust, and trapping them so they don't go deep inside.When you chew and move your jaw, you help move old earwax out of the ear canal to the ear opening.That's where it usually dries up and falls out.But earwax isn't formed in the deep part of your ear canal; it's made in the outer section.So, the only reason you'd have an earwax blockage up against your eardrum, is because you tried to clean your ears with a cotton swab -- or something like it -- and pushed the wax in deeper.Swabbing or sticking pointy objects inside your ear can cause other serious problems: Infection Rupture of the eardrum Significant hearing loss Ideally, no; your ear canals shouldn't need cleaning.But if too much earwax builds up and starts to cause symptoms or it keeps your doctor from doing a proper ear exam, you might have something called cerumen impaction.This means earwax has completely filled your ear canal and it can happen in one or both ears.The symptoms of cerumen impaction are: Pain or a feeling of fullness in your ear Feeling like your ear is plugged Partial loss of hearing, which worsens over time Ringing in your ear, known as tinnitus Itching, discharge, or a smell coming from your ear Coughing This kind of earwax buildup is rare, but it can happen.But if you're experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, don't assume earwax is the problem.Call your doctor.He can examine your ears and figure out the cause.Your doctor can look into your ear canal with a special device and remove any earwax with small instruments, suction, or irrigation.If your problem isn't serious, but you do feel like you have too much earwax buildup, you can gently clean the outside of your ears.Just use a washcloth.You also can try putting a few drops of baby oil, mineral oil, or glycerin in your ear to soften the wax.Or you can use an over-the-counter wax removal kit.Besides cotton swabs or any other small or pointy objects, DON' T use these to clean your ears: Hydrogen peroxide.If the problem isn't an earwax buildup, but something more serious, peroxide can make the problem much worse.Ear candles.Studies show they're not effective and they can even cause injury.These hollow candles are supposed to be inserted into the ear canal and lit at the exposed end, but the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA) has found they can cause burns and even pierce the inside of the ear.

<human>: What do we know about the African plum tree for prostate conditions? <bot>: In Europe, extract from the African plum tree bark is extensively used. It's been reported to reduce symptoms associated with BPH such as having to get up frequently at night to urinate or frequent urination during the day. Use of this herb for health reasons is so widespread around the world that the African plum tree is now endangered. African plum tree bark extract may help men deal with the discomfort of BPH. But it has not been proven to reduce the size of an enlarged prostate. Side effects noted with use of African plum tree bark include nausea and stomach upset.,context:After non-melanoma skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in American men. It's also highly treatable if caught early. For many men, though, the standard treatments for prostate cancer -- medication, radiation, and surgery -- often come with unwanted side effects. Because of those side effects, some men wonder if alternative treatments might be beneficial. Is it possible such remedies as herbs and natural dietary supplements might help treat or slow the progression of prostate cancer? Might they delay the development of this disease? Clinical trials continue to investigate these questions. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men in the United States. It is thought that virtually all men with circulating androgens (hormones) will develop microscopic prostate cancer if they live long enough. In fact, when prostatic tissue is scrutinized under a microscope after surgery (or at autopsy), cancer is found in 50% of men older than age 70. And it's found in virtually all men over age 90. Diet may account for about one-third of cancers of the prostate, large bowel, and breast. All of these cancers are more common in the Western world than in Asian countries such as Japan and China. Although cancer is influenced by both hereditary and environmental factors, studies show that Japanese men and those who eat a vegetarian diet have the lowest rates of prostate cancer. One possible explanation is the low fat content of the Asian diet. Another is that certain nutrients in the foods in these diets may help reduce the cancer risk. A healthy diet rich in nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables may reduce your risk of prostate cancer. Vitamin D3 has shown promise as a treatment for advanced prostate cancer, but is still under study. If you've been diagnosed with prostate cancer, listen to your conventional medical doctor. Your doctor will guide your treatment regimen using the latest proven cancer therapies. Some alternative treatments for prostate cancer may be harmful when used with standard cancer treatments. So, always check with your health care provider before using any natural herb or supplement. That way you can avoid drug-herb interactions. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant. It's found in abundance in some fruits and vegetables, particularly cooked tomatoes. Some studies show that people who eat diets high in tomatoes and other fruits high in lycopene have lower cancer rates, and some researchers even believe lycopene may retard the growth of prostate tumors. However, results of several studies have not been consistent. Lycopene is found in large quantities in foods normally consumed. No side effects have been noted or precautions suggested when this "super nutrient" is eaten as part of a balanced diet. In rodent studies, scientists have demonstrated a positive effect of pomegranate in reducing cancer cell growth in mice. Studies on human cells show similar promise. This has led some researchers to recommend further exploration of pomegranate extract for human therapeutic use. As with lycopene, drinking pomegranate juice and eating the whole fruit can easily be incorporated in a balanced, healthy diet. And doing so is not harmful when the juice or fruit is consumed in moderate amounts. Several antioxidants and other nutrients have been identified as potentially helpful supplements for conditions of the prostate. Those conditions include benign prostatic hypertrophy ( BPH), or enlarged prostate. Clinical trials are being conducted to find out more about the benefits of these "super nutrients." In the U. S., men have relied more on the herb saw palmetto than on other natural therapies for relief from enlarged prostate. Men participating in several studies had better results when taking saw palmetto as compared to taking placebo. Saw palmetto hasn't been shown to prevent or treat prostate cancer. The most common side effect of saw palmetto is mild digestive distress. Saw palmetto also seems to have some health benefits when used with African plum tree bark extract. But researchers caution that not all extracts are the same. Some preparations of these herbs can have different properties. Because herbs and dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA, there are no guarantees about the quality of natural products. The African plum tree is also known as Pygeum africanum. Its bark has traditionally been used in African cultures to treat urinary and bladder problems associated with BPH. In Europe, extract from the African plum tree bark is extensively used. It's been reported to reduce symptoms associated with BPH such as having to get up frequently at night to urinate or frequent urination during the day. Use of this herb for health reasons is so widespread around the world that the African plum tree is now endangered. African plum tree bark extract may help men deal with the discomfort of BPH. But it has not been proven to reduce the size of an enlarged prostate. Side effects noted with use of African plum tree bark include nausea and stomach upset.,After non-melanoma skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in American men.It's also highly treatable if caught early.For many men, though, the standard treatments for prostate cancer -- medication, radiation, and surgery -- often come with unwanted side effects.Because of those side effects, some men wonder if alternative treatments might be beneficial.Is it possible such remedies as herbs and natural dietary supplements might help treat or slow the progression of prostate cancer?Might they delay the development of this disease?Clinical trials continue to investigate these questions.Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men in the United States.It is thought that virtually all men with circulating androgens (hormones) will develop microscopic prostate cancer if they live long enough.In fact, when prostatic tissue is scrutinized under a microscope after surgery (or at autopsy), cancer is found in 50% of men older than age 70.And it's found in virtually all men over age 90.Diet may account for about one-third of cancers of the prostate, large bowel, and breast.All of these cancers are more common in the Western world than in Asian countries such as Japan and China.Although cancer is influenced by both hereditary and environmental factors, studies show that Japanese men and those who eat a vegetarian diet have the lowest rates of prostate cancer.One possible explanation is the low fat content of the Asian diet.Another is that certain nutrients in the foods in these diets may help reduce the cancer risk.A healthy diet rich in nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables may reduce your risk of prostate cancer.Vitamin D3 has shown promise as a treatment for advanced prostate cancer, but is still under study.If you've been diagnosed with prostate cancer, listen to your conventional medical doctor.Your doctor will guide your treatment regimen using the latest proven cancer therapies.Some alternative treatments for prostate cancer may be harmful when used with standard cancer treatments.So, always check with your health care provider before using any natural herb or supplement.That way you can avoid drug-herb interactions.Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant.It's found in abundance in some fruits and vegetables, particularly cooked tomatoes.Some studies show that people who eat diets high in tomatoes and other fruits high in lycopene have lower cancer rates, and some researchers even believe lycopene may retard the growth of prostate tumors.However, results of several studies have not been consistent.Lycopene is found in large quantities in foods normally consumed.No side effects have been noted or precautions suggested when this "super nutrient" is eaten as part of a balanced diet.In rodent studies, scientists have demonstrated a positive effect of pomegranate in reducing cancer cell growth in mice.Studies on human cells show similar promise.This has led some researchers to recommend further exploration of pomegranate extract for human therapeutic use.As with lycopene, drinking pomegranate juice and eating the whole fruit can easily be incorporated in a balanced, healthy diet.And doing so is not harmful when the juice or fruit is consumed in moderate amounts.Several antioxidants and other nutrients have been identified as potentially helpful supplements for conditions of the prostate.Those conditions include benign prostatic hypertrophy ( BPH), or enlarged prostate.Clinical trials are being conducted to find out more about the benefits of these "super nutrients."In the U. S., men have relied more on the herb saw palmetto than on other natural therapies for relief from enlarged prostate.Men participating in several studies had better results when taking saw palmetto as compared to taking placebo.Saw palmetto hasn't been shown to prevent or treat prostate cancer.The most common side effect of saw palmetto is mild digestive distress.Saw palmetto also seems to have some health benefits when used with African plum tree bark extract.But researchers caution that not all extracts are the same.Some preparations of these herbs can have different properties.Because herbs and dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA, there are no guarantees about the quality of natural products.The African plum tree is also known as Pygeum africanum.Its bark has traditionally been used in African cultures to treat urinary and bladder problems associated with BPH.In Europe, extract from the African plum tree bark is extensively used.It's been reported to reduce symptoms associated with BPH such as having to get up frequently at night to urinate or frequent urination during the day.Use of this herb for health reasons is so widespread around the world that the African plum tree is now endangered.African plum tree bark extract may help men deal with the discomfort of BPH.But it has not been proven to reduce the size of an enlarged prostate.Side effects noted with use of African plum tree bark include nausea and stomach upset.

<human>: What is an asthma diary used for? <bot>: The asthma diary is used to: Record asthma symptoms and peak expiratory flow ( PEF) readings Compare PEF readings with your asthma zones Keep track of how often you use medications for a sudden asthma attack Recording this information will help you recognize asthma attacks and head them off before you become seriously ill.,context:By monitoring the severity of your asthma symptoms using a peak flow meter and practicing self-management using peak flow zones, you can live an active life free of asthma symptoms. Another component of this self-management is an asthma diary. Keeping a daily asthma diary can help you monitor asthma triggers and asthma medications. The asthma diary is used to: Record asthma symptoms and peak expiratory flow ( PEF) readings Compare PEF readings with your asthma zones Keep track of how often you use medications for a sudden asthma attack Recording this information will help you recognize asthma attacks and head them off before you become seriously ill. Your doctor will also use this diary to evaluate how well your asthma action plan is working. To keep a daily asthma diary, start by printing out a copy of an asthma action plan. We have a blank asthma action plan in this guide. Next, determine and record your asthma zones. Place this information in your asthma diary so you can refer to it easily. Each day: Fill in the date. Measure PEFs using a peak flow meter, and record the readings in your diary. Be sure to measure PEF before taking your daily asthma medications. Compare your PEF readings to your asthma zones. If the highest PEF reading is less than 80% of your personal best, you must follow the instructions given by your health care provider in your asthma action plan. Also remember to check PEFs more frequently that day, including an evening PEF. Fill in the total number of puffs of the short-acting beta 2-agonist (your rescue or quick-acting inhaler) used over the past 24 hours. Rate any asthma symptoms you had during the day. Remember to take the asthma diary to each doctor visit so your doctor can assess how well your asthma treatment plan is working.,By monitoring the severity of your asthma symptoms using a peak flow meter and practicing self-management using peak flow zones, you can live an active life free of asthma symptoms.Another component of this self-management is an asthma diary.Keeping a daily asthma diary can help you monitor asthma triggers and asthma medications.The asthma diary is used to: Record asthma symptoms and peak expiratory flow ( PEF) readings Compare PEF readings with your asthma zones Keep track of how often you use medications for a sudden asthma attack Recording this information will help you recognize asthma attacks and head them off before you become seriously ill.Your doctor will also use this diary to evaluate how well your asthma action plan is working.To keep a daily asthma diary, start by printing out a copy of an asthma action plan.We have a blank asthma action plan in this guide.Next, determine and record your asthma zones.Place this information in your asthma diary so you can refer to it easily.Each day: Fill in the date.Measure PEFs using a peak flow meter, and record the readings in your diary.Be sure to measure PEF before taking your daily asthma medications.Compare your PEF readings to your asthma zones.If the highest PEF reading is less than 80% of your personal best, you must follow the instructions given by your health care provider in your asthma action plan.Also remember to check PEFs more frequently that day, including an evening PEF.Fill in the total number of puffs of the short-acting beta 2-agonist (your rescue or quick-acting inhaler) used over the past 24 hours.Rate any asthma symptoms you had during the day.Remember to take the asthma diary to each doctor visit so your doctor can assess how well your asthma treatment plan is working.