Sulfur plug: how to remove and why it appears

Sulfur plug is an unpleasant phenomenon. Firstly, by its appearance it prevents sounds from “reaching” the eardrum, as a result of which a person can even temporarily become deaf. Secondly, its presence causes discomfort and pain in the ear canal. It can easily occur in both adults and children. Therefore, in this article we will talk about the reasons why sulfur plugs form, we will talk about its symptoms and methods of removal.

Symptoms of wax plug

At its core, a wax plug is a “lump” consisting of pieces of wax produced by the ear glands, dead cells, dust particles and other contaminants that enter our ear from the outside and accumulate inside it. It covers the space of the auditory canal, for which it received the corresponding name.

In most cases, sulfur plug does not manifest itself in any way for a long time, and for this reason remains unnoticed by its “carrier”. But when it “grows” thoroughly, the following symptoms may appear:

• The presence of lumps of wax in the ear canal. Often this can only be determined by a doctor during examination.
• “Plugging” in the ear as if water gets into it.
• There is a clear decrease in hearing, and in advanced cases it even reaches deafness.
• You can hear a buzzing in your ears, as well as your voice, as if “from the outside.”
• Painful sensations when pressing on the ear.
• If the plug is located next to the membrane and puts pressure on it, then the person has a cough that is not associated with colds, often feel dizzy and have a headache, and nausea appears.

However, if you suddenly suspect any disease related to hearing or ears, it is better to immediately seek help from a doctor. A specialist in this field is called an “otolaryngologist” or simply “ENT”.

Sulfur plug - reasons

The reasons for this “trouble” may be as follows:

• Failure to comply with ear hygiene rules means cleaning the ear canal itself with cotton swabs, which is not recommended. Because of this, the wax is pushed further and further into the ear and “compacted” in it.
• Attempts to clean the ears with objects unsuitable for these purposes, such as a match head or hairpin.
• The use of earbuds or careless actions when putting on a hearing aid, which can lead to the very first reason mentioned above.
• The auditory canal has a “special” structure - narrow and curved, which complicates the natural process of self-cleaning of the auricle.
• Some people naturally have increased production of earwax, so this problem may be quite common for them.
• Inflammatory diseases of the ear (otitis, sinusitis and others).
• Aquatic procedures in which water enters the ears, such as diving. Under its influence, the sulfur masses present in the ear swell, and this provokes the appearance of a plug.
• Work in a dusty industry, especially constant interaction with flour.
• Low air humidity in the apartment and other rooms where you spend a lot of time.

How to remove wax plug

Undoubtedly, the surest way is to seek help from a doctor. But if for some reason this is not possible, then you can try to get rid of it yourself.

First, you need to make sure that you have wax in your ear and no other disease. To understand this, carefully analyze and compare your condition with the symptoms described above.

There are also a number of contraindications to removing it at home:

• Diabetes mellitus.
• Existing damage to the eardrum.
• Previously suffered inflammatory diseases of the ears.

Next, let's look at the process of removing the plug:

1. Soften it. To do this, the night before bed, drop your choice of hydrogen peroxide (3%), glycerin or regular vegetable oil into your ear. Just 5 drops are enough. The liquid temperature should be 36-37 degrees. To straighten the ear opening as much as possible, grab the edge of the ear and gently pull back and then up. After this procedure, the ear should be closed with cotton wool.
2. We rinse. The next morning, you need to draw hydrogen peroxide (about 20 ml) into a syringe without a needle, lie down with the “sick” ear facing up and pour peroxide into it until it begins to pour out of it. The duration of this stage is 15 minutes, so you must remain horizontal. And most importantly, do not be afraid of the active hissing inside the ear.
3. We wash it. To do this, use a regular shower hose. Remove the watering can, set up warm water and a medium-pressure stream. Gradually bring it to your ear. It is necessary that the tip of the hose touches it. Under the influence of pressure, the plug should instantly come out, you will feel this moment. Then you can lie with this ear down so that the remaining water flows out of it, and then blot it thoroughly with a cotton swab.

If, after completing the procedure, you still have discomfort or a feeling that the plug has not come out completely, then after a couple of days try to do these steps again. If repeated removal does not help, then you should still visit an otolaryngologist.

Sulfur plug in a child

Unfortunately, this problem worries not only adults, but also children. Often, the main reason for its appearance in babies is excessive hygiene of their ears on the part of the mother. Therefore, the most effective preventive measure here will be to clean the baby’s ears only as they become dirty.

It is not recommended to use cotton swabs for cleaning, even special ones that are made with a limiter. Only homemade soft “flagella” are allowed, which are used to remove wax near the entrance to the ear canal, without in any case penetrating inside.

Sulfur plugs appear in children for the same reasons and manifest themselves with the same symptoms as in adults. However, it is rare when a child, especially small, he himself will consciously inform you about them. In this case, it is worth carefully observing him in order to identify obvious reasons pointing specifically to it. For example, the baby will often touch his ears or often repeat what he was told.

How to remove wax plug in a child

If you suspect that your child may be bothered by sulfur plugs or are sure of this, then you should definitely consult an ENT doctor. He will provide qualified and, most importantly, safe assistance to solve this problem.

But what to do if there is no such opportunity? There are several proven and harmless ways to remove the plug yourself:

• Purchase a special product at the pharmacy that can be used by children, for example, Remo-Vax. And carry out the procedure, acting strictly according to the instructions.
• For five days, instill the baby's sore ear with warm vegetable oil (heat to 37 degrees) or a solution of hydrogen peroxide (3%). The application regimen is simple - one drop in the morning and evening.

If there is no improvement from the above methods, take your child to see a doctor immediately.

Hydrogen peroxide from sulfur plug

The most common and effective means for removing minor traffic jams is hydrogen peroxide (3%). It perfectly dissolves small deposits of sulfur in the ear openings.

To do this, you just need to pour it into your ear using a syringe, as was described in the section on removing an old plug. The difference is that the procedure is carried out without preliminary soaking and subsequent washing.

After the required 15 minutes have passed, carefully wipe the auricle from foam and wax residues. Do this twice a day until you feel relief, but no more than a week. As a rule, this method begins to work on the third day. The main thing during this period is not to forget to protect your ears from cold and drafts.