Korvakerään

Korvakerään is a Finnish term that translates to "ear-wax collection" or "earwax ball." It refers to the accumulation of earwax within the ear canal. While earwax, medically known as cerumen, is a natural and beneficial substance produced by the ear, excessive buildup can lead to various issues.

Cerumen is produced by glands in the outer ear canal and serves to trap dust, debris, and microorganisms, preventing them from reaching the eardrum. It also lubricates the ear canal, keeping the skin from becoming too dry. Typically, earwax moves out of the ear canal on its own through jaw movements, like chewing.

However, in some individuals, earwax may not be cleared effectively, leading to impaction. This can be due to overproduction of earwax, the use of cotton swabs which can push wax deeper into the canal, or the natural narrowness of the ear canal. Symptoms of excessive earwax buildup can include a feeling of fullness in the ear, muffled hearing, earache, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), or dizziness.

Treatment for korvakerään usually involves softening the earwax with ear drops and then gently flushing the ear with warm water, or in some cases, professional removal by a doctor or nurse. It is generally advised to avoid using cotton swabs or other objects to clean the ears, as this can worsen the problem.