An Otolaryngologist at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Dr Eustace Oseghale, on Wednesday cautioned against regular cleaning of the ear as it could lead to wax impaction.
Oseghale, who gave the word of caution in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), urged people to avoid cleaning their ears regularly to avoid infections.
He said earwax, also known as Cerumen, was being emitted to lubricate and protect the ears.
“People do not usually need to clean their ears, but sometimes earwax and other debris can build up.
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“Using different objects to clean the ear can damage some cells.
“Cleaning the ear regularly damages built-up wax; the wax could roll out on its own,’’ he said.
Oseghale said infection of the external ear referred to as `otitis externa’ usually causes ear pain, ear discharge, reduces hearing and sometimes induced fever, while infection in the inner ear damages hearing.
The expert said wax impaction would also present the same symptoms as infection of the ear due to regular cleaning of the ear.
According to him, patients who are diabetic are more vulnerable to infection due to their reduced immunity,leading to destruction of bones at the back of the ear.
He advised people with wax impaction to visit the hospital for checkups and desist from self-medications. (NAN)
