Otoskehykseen

Otoskehykseen is a Finnish term that translates to "ear hygiene" or "ear cleaning" in English. It refers to the practice of removing earwax from the ear canal. Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a natural substance produced by glands in the outer ear canal. It plays a protective role, trapping dust, debris, and foreign particles, and has antibacterial properties.

While the ears are generally self-cleaning, sometimes earwax can accumulate and become impacted, leading to symptoms such as hearing loss, ear fullness, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), or dizziness. Otoskehykseen practices aim to address such blockages.

Common methods of ear hygiene include using a soft cloth to gently wipe the outer ear. However, inserting objects like cotton swabs, hairpins, or keys into the ear canal is strongly discouraged by medical professionals, as it can push the wax further in, damage the eardrum, or cause infection.

For excessive or impacted earwax, medical professionals may recommend ear drops to soften the wax, followed by irrigation of the ear canal with water or saline solution. In some cases, manual removal by a doctor or audiologist using specialized instruments may be necessary. It is important to consult a healthcare provider if experiencing symptoms of earwax impaction or if unsure about safe ear cleaning practices.