Impacted Ear-wax.
The normal secretion of the orifice of the ear is the product of glands situated in the outer half ol the canal only. This secretion —the cerumen, or ear-wax —is slowly poured from the gland ducts as a thin, yellowish liquid. As it quickly loses a large amount of its watery element by evaporation, and becomes admixed_ with dust, it forms a thin layer, wax-Tike in colour and consistency, which normally covers only the outer portion of the canal — that in which the glands are located.
This layer of material probably has its chief function in common with the few small hairs in the same location, in protecting the vibratory membrane — the drum — from the contact of dust.
It is interesting to observe that the exit of this layer of wax is accomplished by nature chiefly with the aid of the motion communicated to the ear canal by the movements of the jaw in chewing and talking, a motion readily felt by touching the orifice with the fingor-tip during these processes. The constant increase of the secretion is therefore provided with a corresponding loss, which takes place almost as imperceptibly as the constant loss of the superficial layer of the skin from the surface of the body.
This- explanation serves to make clear why the use of ear-spoons, pins, or hairpins is unnecessary. The use of such objects is not only superfluous, but it is often the cause of the very condition which those who use them would present.
Even too vigorous washing with a twisted cloth or sponge, for example, may result in pushing the wax back into the canal until a mass sufficient to block the entire opening is accumulated. The first intimation of the presence of impacted wax is often the sudden occurrence of a considerable degree of deafness. This is most likely to happen on a damp day or just after, or during a bath. A slight amount of moisture causes the mass to swell so that the narrow chink previously existing between the mass and the canal is closed. If it is uoiT now removed, the mass may slmnk and the hearing power be temporarily restored, only to be lost again when conditions arise causing an increase in the size of the mass.
Firm, gentle syringing with warm water from a pisiton ear-syringe is usually regarded as the safest and best method of removing the mass, the handling of which had better be entrusted tc a physician or trained nurse, if possible.
Impacted Ear-wax.
Otago Witness, Issue 2541, 26 November 1902, Page 64
No known copyright (New Zealand)
To the best of the National Library of New Zealand’s knowledge, under New Zealand law, there is no copyright in this item in New Zealand.
You can copy this item, share it, and post it on a blog or website. It can be modified, remixed and built upon. It can be used commercially. If reproducing this item, it is helpful to include the source.
For further information please refer to the Copyright guide.
Log in