Ørekokke

Ørekokke is a term used in Danish to describe a condition where the ear canal becomes blocked with excessive earwax. This blockage can lead to a variety of symptoms, including hearing loss, a feeling of fullness in the ear, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and sometimes dizziness or pain. The ear canal naturally produces earwax, also known as cerumen, which serves to protect the ear by trapping dust and debris, and lubricating the skin. However, in some individuals, the ear produces too much wax, or the wax doesn't move out of the ear canal effectively, leading to impaction. Factors that can contribute to ørekokke include using cotton swabs or other objects to clean the ear, which can push wax deeper into the canal, wearing hearing aids or earplugs, and having narrow ear canals.

The symptoms of ørekokke can vary depending on the degree of impaction. Mild blockage may cause only a slight muffling of sound, while severe impaction can lead to significant hearing loss. If experiencing symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. They can diagnose the condition and recommend appropriate treatment. Common methods for removing impacted earwax include ear drops to soften the wax, followed by irrigation or manual removal by a doctor or nurse. It is generally not recommended to attempt self-removal of impacted earwax using sharp objects, as this can cause injury to the ear canal or eardrum. Prevention strategies include avoiding the insertion of objects into the ear canal and, if prone to excessive wax buildup, consulting a doctor about regular ear cleaning.