Earwax is nature's way of lubricating the delicate skin of the ear canal, acting as a water repellant, and preventing foreign materials from reaching the eardrum. Produced by glands found in thte skin of the outer ear canal, earwax continually migrates out of the ear, picking up sand, dust, and other debris along the way.

Normal amounts of earwax are healthy, but occasionally wax will accumulate and block the ear canal, affecting hearing. When this occurs, many people try to clear the ear canal using cotton tips, bobby pins, or other objects. But David Fairbanks, M.D., from the American Academy of Otolyaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, warns, "These objects only push wax further inward, preventing it from migrating out naturally." Dr. Fairbanks recommends repeatedly flushing the ear canal with warm water (from an eardropper) to melt the wax and allow it to tumble out.

Then five to ten drops of rubbing alcohol should be put into the ear to absorb excess water and kill any bacteria that may cause an ear canal infection. Over-the-counter eardrops are also available.

If these at-home methods are ineffective, or if you've had recent ear surgery, infections, or other ear problems, don't put anything in your ear and see your doctor.

(taken from Good Housekeeping magazine, August, 1990.

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