Recently, the use of oxygenated ear drops and oxygenated water to remove earwax has become increasingly common. Ear Nose and Throat Diseases Specialist Assoc. Dr. Necdet Özçelik pointed out that unconscious use of these products can cause more harm than good and said that hearing loss and the feeling of ear congestion are not always caused by earwax.
Many people who experience a feeling of congestion in the ear find the solution by using ear drops on their own. While unconscious use is increasing, especially with the widespread use of oxygenated ear drops, Medipol Mega University Hospital Ear Nose and Throat Diseases Specialist Assoc. Dr. Necdet Özçelik warned that drops used without examination may delay the diagnosis of serious ear diseases in some cases.
Assoc. Prof. stated that earwax is a protective secretion naturally produced by the outer ear canal. Dr. Özçelik said, "Earwax is not a disease. It is a natural secretion that protects the ear by trapping dust and foreign particles coming from outside. However, sometimes this secretion cannot be expelled and accumulates, causing complaints such as a feeling of fullness in the ear, decreased hearing, or hearing one's own voice differently."
"Not every hearing loss is caused by earwax"
Assoc. Prof. stated that oxygenated ear drops are also used by physicians. Dr. Özçelik emphasized that the real problem is that it is used without examination. Stating that hearing loss is not always due to earwax, Özçelik said, "Middle ear problems, such as fluid accumulation behind the eardrum, can also cause similar symptoms. If the person thinks it is earwax and uses drops on his own, the diagnosis may be delayed and the treatment process may be prolonged."
"The risk may increase if there is a hole in the eardrum"
Assoc. Prof. pointed out that unconscious use of drops may lead to more serious consequences in people with a hole in the eardrum. Dr. Özçelik said, "Drops used in people who have previously had a tube inserted into their ear or have a hole in their eardrum may cause the infection to spread to the middle ear. This may cause greater problems in terms of both hearing and treatment."
Stating that earwax, cotton, napkins or similar objects should not be used for ear cleaning, Özçelik said that such practices can push earwax further inside. Assoc. Prof. emphasized that the correct approach is to first undergo an ear, nose and throat examination. Dr. Özçelik concluded his words by saying, "The ear is our organ of hearing, and healthy hearing is of great importance for the quality of life. The right treatment always starts with the right examination." - ISTANBUL