What causes ear canal pain when cleaning the ears?
Dec 01, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Gang
Introduction
Ear canal pain caused by ear picking may be due to factors such as ear canal injury, cerumen impaction, or otitis media, and targeted treatments can be applied. Improper manipulation during ear picking can easily damage the ear canal wall, resulting in pain. If earwax has remained in the external auditory canal for too long and formed a hard mass, attempting to remove this hardened cerumen forcefully may irritate the ear canal skin and cause pain.
Ear canal pain during ear cleaning may be caused by factors such as ear canal injury, cerumen impaction, or otitis media, and targeted treatments can be applied accordingly.
1. Ear canal injury: Improper manipulation during ear cleaning can easily damage the ear canal wall, causing pain. Excessive force may even affect the eardrum, leading to ear canal pain. It is important to stop ear cleaning immediately to prevent bleeding or further injury to the ear canal wall.
2. Cerumen impaction: If earwax (cerumen) remains in the external auditory canal for too long and hardens, attempting to remove it forcefully can irritate the ear canal skin and cause pain. It is recommended to seek medical attention and have the cerumen removed under a doctor's guidance.
3. Otitis media: Middle ear infections are usually caused by bacterial infections and may be associated with conditions such as colds or influenza. Inflammation can lead to congestion and swelling of the mucous membranes inside the ear, causing pain when touched during ear cleaning. Treatment under medical supervision with antibiotics such as amoxicillin capsules or cefixime capsules may be necessary.
In addition to the above common causes, other factors such as external auditory canal furuncles may also be responsible.
