Why does my throat feel uncomfortable when I am trying to clear my earwax in my ear?

Doctor's Answer

Thank you for your question.

For a start, you should not be clearing your ear canal with a cotton bud or ear pick as this may result in the earwax being pushed deeper into the canal or may result in an injury to the ear canal or eardrum. The nerve supply of the ear is connected to the nerve supply of the throat region. Hence, stimulation of the nerve supplying the ear canal can result in stimulation of the nerve supplying the throat region, resulting in discomfort, itchiness, or pain.

Earwax is secreted by the outer part of your ear canal and contrary to popular belief, it is good to have some earwax in your ears. They help keep your ears moisturised, trap dirt and bacteria, and contains good bacteria that keeps the ear healthy. Earwax produced by your ear canal does get pushed out on its own as your ear canal skin sheds. Hence, it is a self-cleansing structure and no cleaning is required. If you do have problems with earwax buildup resulting in hearing loss or itchiness, it is best to get ear softeners after consulting a doctor. If this fails to clear it, I would suggest that you see a GP who is equipped with the necessary tools or an ENT Specialist to remove the earwax for you safely.

Hope this helps and all the best!

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