Eardrum Damage Due To "Ear Wax Remover - Vacuum Cleaner"
Practical, useful, simple, effective, inexpensive ... a lot of slogans can be written, but the operation logic of these devices is dangerous and can damage the eardrum.
There is an eardrum between the outer ear canal and the middle ear cavity. The eardrum can be stretched up to a certain point and able to withstand trauma.
When negative pressure is applied by vacuuming the outer ear canal, which is a closed space, the eardrum is also pulled out. It's not just wax; Since the eardrum is also vacuumed, the eardrum can be damaged when the device is worked.
In the above photo, a damaged eardrum of a patient undergoing vacuuming of the external ear canal is seen.
In the case of earwax, it is best to perform ear cleaning by a kbb specialist and to examine the eardrum.
Permanent puncture may occur in the membrane after the tympanic membrane injury and the tympanic membrane surgery may be required.
There is an Eardrum at the Other End of a Cylinder or Tube-shaped Structure!
The eardrum is at the other end of the external auditory canal. If you place a vacuum cleaner device in this canal to completely close it and pull it with negative pressure, the ear canal can stretch outward to the point of resistance. If the patient expresses pain and discomfort, the procedure should be terminated at this time. The external auditory canal should never be completely closed and negative pressure should be applied. It is not right to use such products on the internet instead of being examined by an ENT specialist.
In recent years, over-the-counter ear vacuum cleaners have gained popularity as a convenient way to remove earwax at home. You should not use these products without consulting an ENT specialist.
Potential Risks of Ear Vacuum Cleaners
While ear vacuum cleaners may seem harmless, they can pose several risks to your ear health. The suction force produced by some of these devices may not be strong enough to effectively remove impacted earwax, which can give the false sense of cleanliness. Conversely, when they produce significant suction force, they can cause serious eardrum damage. Improper or aggressive use can cause irritation or even trauma to the delicate skin of the ear canal.
You may experience earaches, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), or temporary hearing loss after using ear vacuums. These problems can be caused by negative pressure on the eardrum or by earwax being pushed deeper into the canal. If the eardrum is accidentally punctured or infected, the consequences can be serious and may require medical attention.
Why Does Earwax Exist and When Should It Be Cleaned?
It is important to know that earwax (cerumen) is a protective secretion that our ears naturally expel. Earwax traps dust, debris, and microorganisms, preventing them from reaching the deeper structures of the ear. Normally, the ear cleans itself; jaw movements during chewing and talking help to naturally move old wax outward. New earwax is also produced by the outer ear.
Routine earwax cleaning is not necessary unless it causes symptoms such as hearing loss, fullness, discomfort, or infection. Excessive ear cleaning, especially with vacuum devices or cotton swabs, can disrupt this self-cleaning mechanism and lead to complications.
Safe Alternatives for Earwax Cleaning
If you suspect an earwax blockage, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional. Safer alternatives to at-home suction devices include:
Ear Drops: Over-the-counter cerumenolytics (earwax softening drops) can help loosen the wax by naturally pushing it out.
Irrigation: A healthcare provider can gently remove the wax using warm water or saline under controlled pressure. This is not a popular ear-cleaning technique.
Manual Removal: An ENT specialist can remove the wax using suction, curettes, or micro-instruments under direct visualization with an otoscope or microscope.
While ear vacuum cleaners may seem like a modern, non-invasive solution for removing wax, they are not without risks. Misuse can damage delicate ear structures and even worsen the problem they are intended to solve. If you are experiencing discomfort in your ear or suspect that you have wax buildup, the safest option is to seek medical attention from an ENT specialist rather than relying on at-home devices that may do more harm than good.
Link to earwax and how to clean it >> Cerumen (Earwax) - Definition, Structure, Benefits, Natural Cleaning
Murat Enoz, MD, Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgeon - ENT Doctor in Istanbul
Private Office:
Address: İncirli Cad. No:41, Kat:4 (Dilek Patisserie Building), Postal code: 34147, Bakırköy - İstanbul
Appointment Phone: +90 212 561 00 52
Appointment Phone: +90 212 561 00 52
Fax: +90 212 542 74 47
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