Embarrassing Health Problems That Are Surprisingly Common

Hair around your nipples? Pee a little when you sneeze? You’re not the only one! (11 Photos)

Jordan Lite on Sep 14, 2010 at 12:20PM

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Embarrassing Health Problems That Are Surprisingly Common

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Excess Earwax



"That happens all the time, someone comes in because they can't hear, and it's wax," says Brian Morris, M.D., associate director of UCLA Executive Health. Any sudden hearing loss should be treated as an emergency, since it could indicate stroke or severe ear infection, Morris says. But hearing loss tends to be more gradual and partial when earwax is the culprit, though sometimes patients do become suddenly and temporarily deaf from wax. While we all make about the same amount ear wax, some of us are better at naturally clearing it than others. You may need your doctor to remove it with a syringe. If you're prone to buildup, see your doc once or twice a year to flush out blockages. Don't take matters into your own hands-- only use Q-tips outside your ears.

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