Why Earwax Shouldn’t Be Cleared Too Often: Advice from an ENT Doctor at RSCM
Earwax, or cerumen, is often viewed as a foreign object that must be cleaned out to keep ears hygienic. However, health experts warn that cleaning the ears too frequently can trigger serious infections and strip away the body’s natural protections. Cerumen plays an important role in maintaining ear health and preventing hearing problems.
Harim Priyono, a Specialist in Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at RSUP Nasional Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo (RSCM), emphasises that cerumen is not merely dirt to be removed. Harim, who works at RSCM, explains that cerumen has a vital role in ear health, particularly in the ear canal.
“Cerumen is not actually dirt,” Dr Harim said during a health webinar in Jakarta, recently.
The ear canal is a relatively long and moist chamber, making it a site prone to germs and bacteria. Cerumen has acidic properties that help maintain the balance of the ear canal environment, thereby suppressing the growth of harmful microorganisms.
In addition to acidity, cerumen is produced by skin glands and contains immunoglobulin. This substance acts as a natural antibacterial that helps protect the ear from various potential infections.
According to Dr. Harim, the public does not need to clean their ears too often if conditions are normal. Cleaning is necessary only if the amount of cerumen begins to interfere with hearing.
“Cerumen should be removed when it covers around 30 percent of the diameter of the ear canal. If it is only a thin layer, it does not really need to be cleaned too often,” he explained.
The habit of using cotton buds or other tools to scoop earwax can actually raise the risk of health problems. This action often makes the ear canal overly clean, resulting in the loss of cerumen’s natural protection.
In addition to removing protection, using physical tools inside the ear can cause several medical risks, including:
Harim urged the public not to undertake invasive actions on their own. If symptoms such as pain, severe itching, or hearing loss arise, promptly seek medical attention from an ENT doctor for appropriate treatment.
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