Which sex is the worst about washing up? Why is it so important? We’ve got the dirty truth on how and when to wash your hands.
Earwax
(continued)
Medical Treatment for Earwax Blockage
The doctor may remove your earwax with a small plastic spoon called a curette, or by irrigating your ear with warmed water, sodium bicarbonate, or other prescription-strength eardrops.
Preventing Earwax Blockages
Earwax blockage can be prevented by avoiding the use of cotton-tipped swabs or Q-tips and other objects that push the wax deeper into the ear canal.
Outlook
Complications of Earwax Blockages
- Perforated eardrum
- External-ear infection (swimmer’s ear )
- Permanent hearing loss from acoustic trauma
WebMD Medical Reference
Reviewed by
Louis R. Chanin, MD on February 24, 2011
© 2011 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
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