It’s likely that earwax and its accumulation haven’t been subjects of extensive contemplation for you, except maybe during ear hygiene sessions. However, understanding what causes earwax, how it develops, and its purpose is essential.
So why does earwax build-up?
Earwax, technically called cerumen, is a dense blend of debris, hair, skin particles, sweat, and ceruminous gland secretions. This earwax presents with a waxy texture and can exhibit shades of orange, yellow, gray, or brown.
While the production amount of earwax differs from individual to individual, adults typically produce less earwax than kids. Furthermore, adult earwax is usually darker and harder compared to that of children.
Earwax passes the outer ear canal leisurely, eventually reaching the ear opening, where it either self-expels or gets washed out when you bathe.
Why do we need earwax?
Earwax serves several essential functions, such as:
- Before things like dust, dirt, or other outside debris go further up into the ear canal, earwax acts as a barrier.
- Safeguarding and moisturizing the skin lining the ear canal, thus preventing dryness and itchiness.
- Fending off possible infections that may occur within the ear canal.
Earwax blockages
Usually, there’s no imperative need to remove earwax from your ears unless it becomes impacted, a prevalent issue linked to earwax. Sometimes, earwax is unable to easily get to the opening of the ear due to narrow or unusually shaped ear canals.
Poor ear hygiene methods, such as using cotton swabs or bobby pins, can unintentionally push wax deeper into the ear canal.
Earwax obstructions are often experienced by people who frequently use earplugs, earbuds, or hearing aids.
How is hearing affected by too much earwax?
The presence of earwax blockages may yield mild discomfort and dampen auditory health.
Ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, might also occur.
Untreated earwax obstructions might intensify into middle ear infections, perforated eardrums, or lasting hearing impairment as a result of acoustic trauma.
Dealing with impacted earwax
It’s essential that you contact us as soon as you can if you think your ears are blocked by earwax. Depending on the severity of the obstruction, you might be advised to make use of over-the-counter wax softening drops or a bulb syringe for gentle irrigation to alleviate the condition.
If you’re worried about your earwax buildup, call us right away to schedule an appointment.