Neverthesame
Diamond Member
Oh, I was walking home from the shops and it just struck me.
I stuck a pair of headphones in sans sound, just to shut the world up a little bit. Then I remembered something.
For anyone who uses in ear headphones, earplugs or anything else that physically obstructs the ear canal. Be warned that there is a risk that you may cause the discharge which normally cleans your ears (earwax) to become impacted. Which while not dangerous, can lead to temporary hearing loss, possible infection (not very likely but possible) and hypersensitivity to the sound frequency blocked out by the earplugs you use.
The hypersensitivity is psychosomatic (in your head) simply from you not being used to hearing those sounds so loud, as when your not using earplugs.
Your ears are supposed to be self-cleaning, the motion of your jaw while talking or chewing, should push the wax out of your ears on it's own.
(I'm sure most everyone knows this but I will say it anyway)
You actually are not ever supposed to put anything inside your ear to clean it. Cotton swabs, fingers, etc, etc. This can cause the earwax to impact, or if you go deep enough, perforation of the tympanic membrane (eardrum).
You can however use baby oil (preferably mineral oil, same oil as baby oil just no perfume) to assist the natural cleaning of the ear. Warm it up to body temperature (no warmer) then pour it in gently, let it sit for moment, then tip your head the other way allowing it to drain. Repeat a couple times a week.
Where I work I have to wear earplugs for some of the areas I work in. I have had my share of impacted ear canals. Not much fun, nor is having to get them flushed out by a doctor.
- Mineral oil can be purchased at any pharmacy. It is sold as a laxative (it will only work as such, if you drink it. Putting it in your ear will not give you the poops.) it's also good for your skin.
- Do not light a Q-tip on fire in order to see inside the ear canal. (this was just for funny)
Just a little FYI for anyone who doesn't know this already.
I stuck a pair of headphones in sans sound, just to shut the world up a little bit. Then I remembered something.
For anyone who uses in ear headphones, earplugs or anything else that physically obstructs the ear canal. Be warned that there is a risk that you may cause the discharge which normally cleans your ears (earwax) to become impacted. Which while not dangerous, can lead to temporary hearing loss, possible infection (not very likely but possible) and hypersensitivity to the sound frequency blocked out by the earplugs you use.
The hypersensitivity is psychosomatic (in your head) simply from you not being used to hearing those sounds so loud, as when your not using earplugs.
Your ears are supposed to be self-cleaning, the motion of your jaw while talking or chewing, should push the wax out of your ears on it's own.
(I'm sure most everyone knows this but I will say it anyway)
You actually are not ever supposed to put anything inside your ear to clean it. Cotton swabs, fingers, etc, etc. This can cause the earwax to impact, or if you go deep enough, perforation of the tympanic membrane (eardrum).
You can however use baby oil (preferably mineral oil, same oil as baby oil just no perfume) to assist the natural cleaning of the ear. Warm it up to body temperature (no warmer) then pour it in gently, let it sit for moment, then tip your head the other way allowing it to drain. Repeat a couple times a week.
Where I work I have to wear earplugs for some of the areas I work in. I have had my share of impacted ear canals. Not much fun, nor is having to get them flushed out by a doctor.
- Mineral oil can be purchased at any pharmacy. It is sold as a laxative (it will only work as such, if you drink it. Putting it in your ear will not give you the poops.) it's also good for your skin.
- Do not light a Q-tip on fire in order to see inside the ear canal. (this was just for funny)
Just a little FYI for anyone who doesn't know this already.
