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Cleaning Ears at Home

Ear wax can be annoying or even make it hard to hear. Otolaryngologists tell people not to put objects in their ears to remove wax. That includes cotton swabs which may actually push wax further into the ear. A study in the UK shows that a simple home remedy bay be safe and effective. 237 people who went to a clinic for ear wax removal were studied for two years. Half had their ears flushed out by a nurse while the other half were given ear drops to soften wax along with a bulb syringe to irrigate the ear. Nearly three-quarters of those treated by the nurse came back to the clinic to have their ears cleaned out again. Fewer than two-thirds of those given the bulb syringe needed professional assistance. The investigators concluded that ear irrigation with a bulb syringe seems relative safe and effective for home use.

[Annals of Family Medicine, March/April 2011]

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About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
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