Ear canal, self-cleaning
Ear canal, self-cleaning: Most of the time the ear canals are self-cleaning, that is, there is a slow and orderly migration of ear canal skin from the eardrum to the outer opening. Old earwax is constantly being transported from the deeper areas of the ear canal to the opening where it usually dries, flakes, and falls out.
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- Ear cleaning (by a doctor)
Ear cleaning (by a doctor): When ear wax accumulates enough, it may block the ear canal (and hearing). A health care professional may have to wash it out, vacuum it, or remove it with special instruments. Alternatively, your physician may prescribe ear drops that are designed to soften the wax.
- Ear cleaning (yourself)
Ear cleaning (yourself): Wax is not formed in the deep part of the ear canal near the eardrum, but only in the outer part of the canal. Attempts at self-cleaning with cotton swabs, keys, pins, or other objects can impact wax deeper into the canal. This can also impair or damage normal eardrum function. Infection […]
- Ear infection, middle (acute)
a bulging eardrum usually accompanied by pain; or a perforated eardrum, often with drainage of purulent material (pus). Otitis media is the most frequent diagnosis in sick children in the U.S., especially affecting infants and preschoolers. Almost all children have one or more bouts of otitis media before age 6. The eustachian tube is shorter […]
- Ear piercing
Ear piercing: The practice of using a needle or needle gun to make holes through the ear lobe or other parts of the ear so that jewelry can be worn. Ear piercing can result in inflammation and/or infection. Infected ear piercings should be washed and then treated with antibiotic cream. Further treatment involves either allowing […]
- Ear pit
Ear pit: Tiny pit in front of the ear: preauricular pit. These may run in families, and often require no specific treatment. Infection may occur, and occasionally, surgical repair may be required.