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 may even temporarily become deaf. Secondly, its presence causes discomfort and pain in the ear canal. It can easily occur in both an adult and a child. Therefore, in this article we will talk about the reasons for the formation of sulfuric plug, talk about its symptoms and methods of removal.

Symptoms of sulfur plug

At its core, a sulfur plug is a "lump" consisting of pieces of sulfur produced by the ear glands, dead cells, dust particles and other impurities that enter our ear from the outside and accumulate inside it. It blocks the space of the ear canal, for which it received the appropriate name.

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

• The presence of lumps of sulfur in the ear canal. Often this can only be determined by a doctor during examination.
• "Congestion" in the ear as if water had entered it.
• There is a clear hearing loss, and in advanced cases it even reaches deafness.
• You can hear a hum in your ears, as well as your own voice, as if "from the outside."
• Painful sensations when pressing on the auricle.
• If the cork is next to the membrane and presses on it, then the person has a cough that is not associated with colds, often dizzy and headache, nausea appears.

However, if you suddenly have any suspicions about any disease associated with hearing or with the ears, it is better to seek immediate medical attention. A specialist in this area is called an "otolaryngologist" or simply "ENT".

Sulfur plug - reasons

The reasons for this "trouble" can be as follows:

• Failure to comply with the rules of hygiene of the auricles - cleaning the ear canal itself with cotton swabs, which is not recommended. Because of this, the sulfur is pushed further and further deeper into the ear and "rammed" 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 the hearing aid, which can lead to the very first reason mentioned above.
• The auditory canal of a "special" structure is narrow and curved, which complicates the natural process of self-cleaning of the auricle.
• Some people naturally have an increased production of earwax, so this problem can be quite common for them.
• Inflammatory ear diseases (otitis media, sinusitis and others).
• Water treatments that allow water to enter the ears, such as diving. Under its influence, the sulfur masses present in the ear swell, and this provokes the appearance of a plug.
• Working in a dusty plant, especially constant interaction with flour.
• Low air humidity in the apartment and other rooms where you spend a lot of time.

How to remove sulfur 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 a cerumen plug 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 its removal at home:

• Diabetes.
• Existing damage to the tympanic membrane.
• Earlier inflammatory diseases of the ears.

Next, consider the process of removing the plug itself:

1. We soften. To do this, the day before bedtime, drip into the ear of your choice: hydrogen peroxide (3%), glycerin or ordinary vegetable oil. Only 5 drops are enough. The liquid temperature should be 36-37 degrees. To straighten the ear opening as much as possible, grasp the edge of the auricle and gently pull back and then up. After this procedure, the eyelet should be closed with a cotton swab.
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 up and pour the peroxide into it until it starts pouring out of it. The duration of this stage is 15 minutes, so it is imperative to stay in a horizontal position. And most importantly, do not be intimidated by the active hiss inside the ear.
3. We wash it out. To do this, use a regular shower hose. Remove the "watering can", set up warm water and a stream of medium pressure. Gradually bring it to your ear. Make sure the tip of the hose touches it. Under the action of pressure, the cork should instantly come out, you will feel this moment. Then you can lie down with this ear so that the remaining water flows out of it, and then blot it well with a cotton swab.

If at the end of the procedure you still have unpleasant sensations or a feeling that the cork has not come out completely, then after a couple of days try to do these actions 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 auricles of the crumbs 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 self-made soft "flagella" are allowed, with which they remove sulfur near the entrance to the ear canal, in no case getting inside.

Sulfur plug appears in children for the same reasons and manifests itself in the same symptoms as in adults. However, it is rare when a child, especially small, he will consciously inform you about them. In this case, it is worth carefully observing him in order to identify obvious reasons that point to her. For example, a toddler will often touch his ears or often ask what he has been told.

How to remove a sulfur plug from a child

If you suspect that your child may be bothered by a sulfur plug or are probably 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 if there is no such possibility? There are several proven and harmless ways to remove the plug yourself:

• Get a special product from the pharmacy that can be used by children, such as Remo-Wax. And carry out the procedure, acting strictly according to the instructions.
• For five days, bury the sore ear with warm vegetable oil (heat to 37 degrees) or a solution of hydrogen peroxide (3%). The scheme of application is simple - one drop in the morning and in the evening.

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

Hydrogen peroxide from sulfur plug

The most common and effective way to remove minor plugs is hydrogen peroxide (3%). It perfectly dissolves small deposits of sulfur masses in the ear openings.

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

After the prescribed 15 minutes have passed, gently 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 operate on the third day. The main thing during this period is not to forget to protect your ears from cold and drafts.