If you have ever heard of the sensation of fullness in the ears or a lot of earwax around the ear, you should know that it is usually accompanied by difficulty in hearing. Earwax is sometimes referred to as cerumen, which plays its role in the physiology of the ear and is supposed to be there as it serves to provide protection against bacteria, fungi and dust. On the other hand, there may be excess wax build-up which can cause discomfort even for professionals. However massaging the ear always works and is a gentle method that allows the earwax build-up to move to the outer ears which are better able to deal with them due to the fact that they are easily accessible.
In this blog, I will take you through a guide on how to safely massage earwax out of your ear.
Understanding Earwax and Its Role
Before I proceed further, it is important that we have a deep understanding of the purpose and role of earwax before considering using any massage techniques. The presence of earwax in the ear is very common, its existence can be due to secretions from glands inside the ear canal, its primary function is to act as the first line of defense against dust and dirt as well as bacteria. It prevents these particles from coming in contact with the eardrum and also acts as a lubricant for the ear.
In most cases, earwax naturally drains into the outer ear without any assistance. However, due to the shape of the ear canal, wearing earplugs or earbuds, and aging, there may be an overproduction of earwax. If a lot of earwax has accumulated in the ear and is causing slight hearing loss or discomfort, loosening a small amount of earwax using fingers may help, but it should be kept in mind that other methods like inserting an object inside the ear canal should not be practiced.
In What Situations Will Massage be Required to Remove Earwax?
In cases like ear pain, accumulation of small particles of earwax in the ear and stiffness, gentle massage service on the ear is effective. For slow and gradual build-up of wax on the eardrum, this method is suitable. Feeling depressed, ear pain, occasional hearing loss and ear blockage are some of the more worrying signs for which you should visit a doctor instead of trying this method, which will only be harmful for you. In addition, it is impossible to lose some of the protective barriers from the body, one's own actions and movements will also make the condition worse, while toxins after a spa massage should not be ignored as the body's essential drainage has been affected.
How to Prepare for Treatment: Ear Wax Massage
To prepare yourself for an ear wax massage, check out these tips: First, wash your hands: Having clean hands reduces the chances of new bacteria entering your ear.
Gather Supplies: It is advisable to prepare a clean, warm washcloth, as well as a warm compress such as a towel soaked in hot water to try to soften the wax before you begin.
Find a Comfortable Position: For stability while working on your ear, especially if you are working on your ear alone, you can either sit in a chair or lie down on your side.
It is important to stay in a warm and comfortable place throughout the process. Just like Swedish massage relaxes the ‘sore’ parts of the body, ear massage helps to loosen the wax and make it easier to remove.
Step-by-Step Techniques to Remove Ear Wax
Now that you are prepared, let’s talk about three methods you can try to remove wax from your ear that are relatively safe and gentle.
Technique 1: Circular Massage
Circular massage is very beginner-friendly and also helps to loosen ear wax. Here is how you can do it:
Locate the area: Take the index and middle finger and cover the back of the ear lobe at the point where the jaw joins the ear.
Massage in a circular motion: Using light pressure, start by placing your fingers on the ears, then start in a circular motion with small movements. Do not apply any pressure initially, but after some time apply light pressure which may help to feel the difference inside the ear.
Repeat: You can also do a circular massage for 1 - 2 minutes. This kind of massage can help the wax move to the edges and eventually break off.
Technique 2: Pull and release
In this method the ear is gently pulled so that the ear canal shifts its position slightly and thus making it easier to position the wax inside.
Hold the ear lobe: Hold the lower part of your ear lobe with both thumb and forefinger.
Pull downwards: While doing this, hold the ear lobe as well and gently pull it downwards and outwards for a while. Then wait for a while.
Release: Remove your hand and allow the ear to adjust itself and come back to its original position. Do this about three to five times, changing ears if both ears are being worked on.
Technique 3: Gentle pressure
The movement of wax can be induced by applying slight pressure to the area around the ear.
Place your thumb: Place your thumb a little ahead of the ear, right next to the small bump which is the tragus.
Press gently: When the thumb position is correct and stable, apply gentle pressure with respect to the thumb position on the lateral side. Wait for a few seconds and remove the thumb pressure.
Repeat: Do this 3-5 times until you are sure that you cannot feel more discomfort than expected and try to make movements that can subtly stimulate the ear canal and the movement of wax towards the outer area.
Using a Warm Compress to Soften Ear Wax
While massaging the hardened wax, this seems to be the most difficult. This can be addressed more easily if a warm compress is applied first.
Applying the compress: First, soak a cloth in warm water, then squeeze it to remove excess water and fold it into a compact structure.
Applying a warm compress: Next, place a warm compress on the outer part of the ear for about 5-10 minutes which will help melt the wax to make the massage easier.
Gentle massage: After the wax softens, use all the massage techniques mentioned above to get rid of the wax while keeping the ear gentle.
Start the Movements to Clean the Ear Using the Force of Gravity
If there is wax in any part of the ear after massaging, the force of gravity can be used to get rid of the wax residue.
Ears downward: In this posture, the affected side you are lying on is facing the ground, which most of the time helps in softening the wax stuck in the ear.
Use of tissue: Place a tissue right next to the ear to prevent wax or dirt from coming out of the ear area.
Maintaining the position: Do not move from this position until the swelling or inflammation calms down. And if needed, you can pull the ear lobe in a gentle manner, which also helps in removing the ear wax.
This technique seems easy and is quite effective, just like foot massage or dry brushing for relaxation. It is actually quite effective in stimulating natural movement and is also able to relax the body and mind.
Other Recommendations and Warnings
When aiming to remove earwax and massage, it is advisable to pay attention to the following tips to have a good and safest experience:
Objects not to be inserted - Do not insert fingers, cotton or any other object into the ear as this can push the wax deeper or injure the ear.
Stay calm: When massaging, be very careful in applying force so as not to cause irritation.
Ear should be protected from getting wet during treatment: During the procedure, make sure that no water gets into the ear canal to avoid ear infections.
Massage after eating: It is often good to eat something like a light meal first as I read a male massage therapist blog in which I advised to relax and prepare for the procedure.
Caution when applying oils or drops: Some people use oils or drops to dissolve the wax, in such cases, use the guide provided with the product or consult a doctor.
Why is it Important to Contact a Healthcare Professional?
There are some situations when removing earwax in a discreet way may not be enough. If any of your symptoms get worse, or ear pain, discharge, or hearing loss persists, see a doctor or
Got it?
Mild earwax blockages can be reduced by massaging the ear canals, which helps soothe the ear. It is possible to care for your ears at home with the steps below without the need for surgery. Although massaging the ear with wax is a good way to protect the ear, please do not massage the ear too much as it can cause infection. As a general rule, it is always safe to ask a professional for help removing excess earwax if you are unsure.
留言