Why does it hurt when I clean my earwax?
Sep 09, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, earwax refers to cerumen. Pain upon digging out cerumen may be caused by factors such as excessively hard cerumen, rough handling, sensitive ear canals, external otitis, or middle ear infection. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. In daily life, it's important to keep the ear canal clean and dry, and avoid using sharp objects to remove cerumen.
Under normal circumstances, earwax refers to cerumen. Pain upon removing cerumen may be caused by factors such as excessively hard cerumen, rough handling, sensitive ear canal, external otitis, or middle ear infection (otitis media). It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Excessively Hard Cerumen
When cerumen becomes overly dry and hardened, cleaning it may damage the skin of the ear canal, causing pain. A saline ear drop solution can be used to soften the cerumen; after waiting several minutes, gently clean with a cotton swab.
2. Rough Handling
Excessively forceful movements when removing cerumen may injure the ear canal wall, resulting in pain. Always clean gently and avoid applying excessive pressure.
3. Sensitive Ear Canal
The skin inside the ear canal is thin and rich in nerve endings. Using sharp ear-cleaning tools may stimulate nerves and trigger pain. It is advisable to use baby-sized soft-tipped cotton swabs for gentle removal of cerumen, avoiding sharp or rigid objects.
4. External Otitis
External otitis is usually caused by bacterial infection. Inflammation irritates the outer ear skin, leading to pain. Symptoms may include increased ear discharge and hearing loss. Treatment under a doctor's supervision may involve medications such as levofloxacin ear drops, cefixime capsules, or ketoconazole wash.
5. Middle Ear Infection (Otitis Media)
Failure to take proper precautions while swimming—allowing contaminated water to enter the ear—may lead to otitis media. Inflammation can cause the eardrum to swell, altering pressure within the ear canal. This makes the eardrum more sensitive, so touching it during cerumen removal may result in sharp pain, often accompanied by earache and tinnitus. Medications such as enteric-coated erythromycin tablets, prednisolone tablets, or cefuroxime axetil tablets may be prescribed for treatment.
Maintain cleanliness and dryness of the ear canals, and avoid using sharp objects to remove cerumen.
