Earwax might not be the most glamorous topic, but it plays an essential part in keeping your ears healthy. Unlike your teeth, feet, or other body parts that require regular cleaning endeavours, earwax normally manages itself. Overly frequent attempts to eliminate it can actually be detrimental. Here’s what you should know.
What Exactly Is Cerumen?
Earwax, medically known as cerumen, is a natural substance made by glands inside of your ear canal.
Earwax, a mix of secretions and dead skin cells, is frequently misunderstood, yet it serves a useful purpose. Its primary function? Safeguarding your ears.
Earwax works as a barrier, trapping dust, dirt, and bacteria before they can reach your eardrum. It also helps keep your ear canal moisturized and healthy, preventing dryness and irritation. If it weren’t for this defensive mechanism, your ears would be more susceptible to harm and illness.
Is There a Need to Clean Your Ears?
Typically, regular maintenance is sufficient and no extra cleaning is required. Your ears have a BUILT IN ability to get rid of dirt on their own. Routine daily actions like eating, speaking, bathing, and physical movement aid in the removal of earwax by gradually propelling it outward, where it can then be naturally shed or rinsed off.
For the majority of people, earwax removal is not a problem that normally requires attention. However, with time, it can accumulate and turn into a concern for some individuals.
When Earwax Becomes a Problem
While earwax is usually a friend to our bodies, there are times it can become problematic, particularly if it becomes impacted (blocked or pushed too far into the ear canal).
When earwax becomes a concern: indications of a possible issue
- Cotton swabs are often used by individuals to clean their ears; however, this action may inadvertently push earwax further down the ear canal, leading to blockages. It’s okay to use these gently 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 removing earwax, causing it to accumulate and potentially lead to blockages.
- Producing too much wax: Some people naturally produce more earwax than others, which can increase the possibility of impaction.
Symptoms of Earwax Accumulation: What to Watch For
Excessive Earwax: Possible symptoms and consequences to be aware of:
- Hearing loss or muffled hearing
- Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ear)
- Earache or a feeling of fullness
- Vertigo or balance problems
- Ear smell or drainage
In some cases, impacted earwax can even lead to an infection. If you notice these symptoms, it’s time to get some assistance.
Safe Earwax Elimination: Leave It to the Pros
Speaking with a medical expert is advised if you are noticing extreme earwax accumulation. Your regular doctor, an audiologist, or an otolaryngologist can easily and painlessly take it out at their clinic. Some individuals try home remedies like over-the-counter ear drops or ear irrigation kits. These can sometimes be useful, but it’s smart to check with your provider first– particularly if you’ve had ear surgery, you have a background of ear infections, or you use hearing aids.
Seek Guidance When Unsure
Earwax is typically a good thing, but if it’s troubling you, don’t ignore it. Our team is here to help you keep your ears healthy and your hearing clear.
Contact us to schedule 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