While earwax may not be an exciting subject, it has a critical purpose in preserving the health of your ears. Compared to your teeth, feet, or other body parts that require routine cleaning endeavours, earwax normally manages itself. In fact, trying to remove it too often can do more harm than good. These are the fundamental things to be mindful of.
What Is Earwax?
Earwax, scientifically known as cerumen, is a natural compound made by glands inside of your ear canal.
Earwax, a mix of secretions and dead skin cells, is often misunderstood, yet it serves a useful purpose. Its main role is to protect your ears.
Earwax acts like a barrier, capturing dust, dirt, and bacteria before they can get to your eardrum. It also helps in preserving moisture and promoting health in your ear canal to avoid dryness and soreness. Without it, your ears would be more susceptible to infection and damage.
Do You Need to Clean Your Ears?
In most situations, no specific cleaning is required. Your ears have a natural ability to get rid of dirt on their own. Everyday activities– like chewing, talking, showering, and moving around– help push old wax to the surface, where it naturally flakes or rinses away.
For the majority of people, earwax removal is not a problem that normally calls for attention. But for some, it can accumulate and become a problem.
When Earwax Becomes an issue
Although earwax typically benefits our bodies, it can sometimes result in problems, particularly when it becomes impacted by being blocked or pushed too far up into the ear canal.
When earwax becomes a worry: signs of a possible issue
- Cotton swabs are commonly utilized by people to clean their ears; however, this action may unintentionally push earwax further down the ear canal, leading to blockages. It’s fine to use these carefully around the outer ear, but avoid inserting them into the ear canal.
- Using earbuds, hearing aids, or earplugs can impede the ear’s natural process of clearing out earwax, causing it to collect and potentially lead to obstructions.
- Excessive earwax production: A common issue for some people, resulting in a higher risk of earwax accumulation and potential impaction.
Symptoms of Earwax Accumulation: What to Watch For
Excessive Earwax: Potential symptoms and consequences to be aware of:
- Hearing loss or muffled hearing
- An ear condition distinguished by ringing or buzzing sounds, called tinnitus
- Earache or a feeling of fullness
- Dizziness or balance issues
- Odor or discharge from the ear
Impacted earwax might lead to an infection in certain instances. If you detect these symptoms, it’s time to get some help.
Leave Earwax Elimination to a Professional
Consulting a medical expert is recommended if you are experiencing extreme earwax build-up. Your regular doctor, an audiologist, or an otolaryngologist can easily and painlessly take it out at their office. Some individuals experiment with home remedies such as non-prescription ear drops or ear irrigation kits. These can sometimes be useful, but it’s smart to consult your doctor first– particularly if you’ve had ear surgery, you have a history of ear infections, or you use hearing aids.
When in Doubt, Ask
Earwax is typically a good thing, but if it’s troubling you, don’t disregard it. Our team is here to help you keep your ears healthy and your hearing clear.
Contact us to set up an appointment if you’re worried about earwax buildup or any changes in your hearing.
Sources:
How To Remove Ear Wax: A Step-By-Step Guide– Audien Hearing
Impacted Earwax|Cedars-Sinai
