Earwax might not be the most attractive topic, but it plays an important role in keeping your ears healthy. Compared to your teeth, feet, or other body parts that require routine cleaning efforts, 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 aware of.
What Exactly Is Cerumen?
Cerumen, also referred to as earwax, is a natural substance generated by glands located in your ear canal.
Earwax, a mix of secretions and dead skin cells, is often misunderstood, yet it has a practical purpose. Its primary role is to safeguard 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 inflammation. If it weren’t for this protective mechanism, your ears would be more vulnerable to harm and illness.
Do You Need to Clean Your Ears?
In most cases, no specific cleaning is needed. Your ears are designed to clean themselves out. Daily activities– like chewing, talking, showering, and moving around– help push old wax to the surface, where it naturally flakes or washes away.
Most kids and adults never have to b e concerned about removing earwax. However, with time, it can build up and become a problem for certain individuals.
When Earwax Becomes an issue
While earwax is usually a friend to our bodies, there are times it can cause trouble, especially if it becomes impacted (blocked or crammed too far into the ear canal).
Here’s when earwax might become an issue:
- Utilizing cotton swabs: Many individuals use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this can actually push wax deeper into the canal, creating a blockage. You can safely utilize these around the outer ear, but do not insert them into the ear canal.
- Using earbuds, hearing aids, or earplugs can hinder the ear’s natural process of removing earwax, causing it to accumulate and potentially lead to blockages.
- Excessive earwax creation: A prevalent issue for some people, resulting in a higher risk of earwax accumulation and potential impaction.
Signs of Impacted Earwax
Excessive Earwax: Possible symptoms and consequences to be aware of:
- Hearing loss or muted hearing
- An ear condition characterized by ringing or buzzing sounds, called tinnitus
- Earache or a feeling of fullness
- Problems with balance or feeling lightheaded
- Odor or discharge from the ear
In some cases, impacted earwax can even lead to an infection. When you encounter these signs, it’s essential to seek assistance.
Leave Earwax Removal to a Professional
Speaking with a medical expert is recommended if you are noticing extreme earwax build-up. Your regular doctor, an audiologist, or an otolaryngologist can easily and painlessly take it out at their office. Some people try home remedies like over-the-counter ear drops or ear irrigation kits. It’s a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider before trying these methods, particularly if you have a history of ear issues, including ear infections or previous ear surgery, or if you wear hearing aids.
When in Doubt, Ask
Earwax is typically beneficial, but if it is causing discomfort, address the issue. We’re dedicated to assisting you in preserving ear health and preserving sharp hearing.
If you’re experiencing unusual hearing changes or suspect an earwax blockage, reach out to us to arrange a consultation with one of our specialists.
Sources:
How To Remove Ear Wax: A Step-By-Step Guide– Audien Hearing
Impacted Earwax|Cedars-Sinai