Information Board
WHAT IS WAX OR CERUMEN?
Cerumen, or wax as it is commonly known, is a normal secretion of the ceruminous glands in the outer ear canal, commonly located in the hair bearing portion of the ear canal. It is slightly acidic, giving bactericidal qualities in both its wet, sticky or dry, flaky forms. Wax extrudes the ear canal by epithelial migration, jaw movement assists the movement of wax to the entrance of the ear canal where it emerges onto the skin. A small amount of wax is normally found in the canal and its absence may be a sign that dry skin conditions, infection or excessive cleaning have interfered with the normal production of wax.
MICROSUCTION
The safest way to remove wax from the ears. It is generally painless, but some people may experience minor pain or discomfort. It takes up to 30 minutes for both ears and prolonged instillation of wax softening drops is not always necessary prior to the procedure.
The best method for dewaxing ears with a perforation of the tympanic membrane (ear drum), a mastoid cavity and discharge.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the term for hearing sounds that come from inside your ears/head, rather than from an outside source.
It's often described as "ringing in the ears", although several sounds can be heard, including:
buzzing
humming
grinding
hissing
whistling
roaring
Some people may hear sounds similar to music or singing, and others hear noises that beat in time with their pulse (pulsatile tinnitus).
You may also notice that your hearing is not as good as it used to be or you're more sensitive to everyday sounds (hyperacusis). Is it serious?