After a detailed study of the problem, the otolaryngologist determines how to remove the plug from the ear so as not to harm the patient's health. In a polyclinic, several methods are used to extract sulfur accumulations.
Removal in hospital
When sulfur plugs form in the ears, the ENT will tell you how to remove them. The choice of a method for eliminating the problem depends on many factors, therefore self-medication in this case is strictly prohibited. To determine how to remove the plug from the ear, the doctor performs the following manipulations:
- initial inspection;
- determination of consistency;
- studying the color of clusters;
- determination of the cause of education;
- checking the tympanic membrane for perforation;
- checking the middle ear for inflammation;
- the appointment of additional tests for diabetes mellitus and cholesterol levels, if there are suspicions of these diseases.
| Treatment method | Advantages | disadvantages |
| Washing. The doctor immediately softens the sulfur plug by introducing a solution of 3% hydrogen peroxide, glycerin or another drug into the ear canal. Next, the ear canal is leveled by pulling the auricle back and up, warm (37 ° C) water or saline solution is injected into it under pressure. Most often, a Janet syringe or a regular 150 ml syringe without a needle is used for this manipulation. A container is placed at the edge of the ear, where the liquid flows out together with the stopper. Most often, 2-4 washes are required for complete removal. | The procedure is practically painless and has a good effect. | Sometimes it is ineffective, especially if the blockage is too tight. It is prohibited for inflammation in the ears, perforation of the eardrum, diabetes mellitus, high blood cholesterol. |
Aspiration. Even the smallest accumulations of sulfur are removed with the help of an electric pump. Most often, this procedure is performed after rinsing to completely clear the ear canal. | Helps to remove 100% of sulfur accumulations from the ear canal, does not require the use of anesthesia. | Works only on soft corks or those that have been softened beforehand. There is a risk of damage to the skin of the ear canal or eardrum from the hard suction tip. |
Curettage. This is a dry sulfur removal method. The procedure is performed using special surgical instruments (hook and tweezers). | A similar cleaning of the ears from sulfur plugs is carried out in cases where fluids cannot be injected into the ear canal. | There is a fairly high probability of injury to the ear canal and eardrum by instruments. |
Possible complications
If you decide to get rid of earwax plugs in the hospital, this does not mean that everything will be completely painless and simple. In some cases, complications occur that even a doctor cannot prevent. The removal procedure can cause:
- bleeding;
- nausea;
- dizziness;
- violation of the integrity of the tympanic membrane;
- injury to the ear canal.
Before removing the ear plugs, you must definitely undergo an examination, this will help prevent the most unpleasant complications. However, in some cases, even the most detailed examination by an otolaryngologist does not help to predict how the body will react to the selected procedure.
Traditional methods
If you do not know what to do if there are plugs in your ears, and you cannot remove them in the hospital, you can use the methods of traditional medicine. However, before carrying out the procedures, you still have to consult with an otolaryngologist for violations such as perforation of the tympanic membrane, otitis media and concomitant diseases. If they are available, there is nothing even to think about how to remove the plug in the ear on your own, this should only be done by a specialist. When you are sure that everything is in order with your health, you can use one of the methods to remove accumulations of sulfur.
Removing a house
| Procedure | Dignity | disadvantages |
| Softening with oil. Every evening you need to drip 3-5 drops of linseed, sesame or almond oil, it is advisable after that to lie so that the sore ear is on top. | In most cases, it gives a positive effect after the first wash, does not require the use of special drugs or instruments. | Does not completely remove too dense accumulations, can damage the auditory nerve in case of perforation of the tympanic membrane. |
| Washing. Before you clean your ears from sulfur plugs, 3-5 drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide are dripped into the ear canal, after 15 minutes warm water is injected into the sore ear when | In most cases, it gives a positive effect after the first wash, does not require the use of special drugs or instruments. | Sometimes it causes discomfort when peroxide is injected, such as burning, hissing in the ear, leads to an increase in the plug in volume, which negatively affects hearing. |
| Cerumenolysis. It is carried out with the use of special hygienic preparations - cerumenolytics. They do not increase the size of the plugs, they quickly penetrate directly inside and soften them. A few minutes after the introduction of the agent into the ear canal, the accumulations of sulfur are excreted naturally. | The drugs do not impair hearing during the procedure and do not cause painful sensations, they act quickly and give a positive effect. | In some cases, treatment does not give the desired result, it is prohibited in the presence of otitis media or perforation of the tympanic membrane. |
| Cleaning with wax funnels. Special ear speculums impregnated with wax are available from pharmacies. They are inserted into the sore ear, while the patient lies on his side, a paper napkin with a small opening for a funnel is placed on the ear itself. Its end is set on fire and, under the influence of a vacuum, the plug is "pulled" out of the ear canal. When the funnel burns out to the mark, it is extinguished in a glass of water. | Removes plugs, gives a warming effect, stimulates blood circulation. | The method is ineffective in relation to stony accumulations of sulfur. |
Precautionary measures
Before you clear your ears from sulfur plugs, you need to consult a doctor. Even traditional medicine can cause serious complications. To remove the wax plug from your ear, you do not need to use the following items:
- matches;
- hairpins;
- cotton buds;
- tweezers and other tools at hand.
If a plug is found in the ear, treatment should be carried out strictly according to the doctor's recommendation. Poking in the ear canal with foreign objects, you can only aggravate the situation.
Injuries to the skin or eardrum provoke the multiplication of fungi, viruses and bacteria, so you need to know how to soften the sulfur plug in the ear so as not to harm your health.
Let's summarize
What to do if there is a plug in your ear, you cannot decide on your own, so you will only harm yourself. An examination by an otolaryngologist is mandatory - only a doctor can determine how to clear the ear from the sulfur plug without harm to the body.
It is best to carry out the removal in the clinic, but if this is not possible, then use the doctor's recommendations for self-elimination of the problem. Contact a specialist in time and follow the rules of hygiene so as not to face similar problems.
