Earwax might not be the most glamorous topic, but it plays an important part in keeping your ears healthy. As opposed to other bodily areas, including your teeth, feet, or skin, which require regular maintenance to stay clean, earwax is generally self-sufficient and doesn’t demand frequent attention. Overly frequent attempts to eliminate it can actually be counterproductive. Here’s what you should know.
What Is Earwax?
Cerumen, also called earwax, is a natural substance produced by glands located in your ear canal.
Earwax, a mix of secretions and dead skin cells, is often misunderstood, yet it serves a practical purpose. Its primary job? Protecting your ears.
Earwax acts like a barrier, trapping dust, dirt, and bacteria before they can get to your eardrum. It also assists in preserving moisture and promoting health in your ear canal to avoid dryness and soreness. If it weren’t for this defensive system, your ears would be more susceptible to harm and illness.
Is There a Need to Clean Your Ears?
In most situations, no specific cleaning is required. Your ears are made to clean themselves out. Regular everyday actions like eating, speaking, bathing, and physical movement aid in the elimination of earwax by slowly propelling it outward, where it can then be naturally shed or washed off.
Most kids and adults never need to b e concerned about removing earwax. But for saome people, it can build up and become an issue.
The Hidden Dangers of Excessive Earwax Buildup
While earwax is usually a friend to our bodies, there are times it can become problematic, especially if it becomes impacted (blocked or pushed too far into the ear canal).
Here’s when earwax may develop into an issue:
- Using cotton swabs: Many people use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this can actually press wax deeper into the canal, creating an obstruction. You can safely use 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 clearing out earwax, causing it to accumulate and potentially result in blockages.
- Making too much wax: Some individuals normally produce more earwax than others, which can increase the chance of impaction.
Symptoms of Earwax Accumulation: What to Watch For
If earwax builds up too much, you may experience:
- Experiencing trouble hearing or a muffled sound
- Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ear)
- Earache or a feeling of fullness
- Vertigo or balance issues
- Odor or excretion 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.
Safe Earwax Elimination: Leave It to the Pros
Speaking with a medical professional is advised if you are experiencing excessive earwax build-up. Your regular physician, 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. These can sometimes be useful, but it’s smart to consult your doctor first– especially if you’ve had ear surgery, you have a background of ear infections, or you use hearing aids.
When in Doubt, Ask
Earwax is usually beneficial, but if it is causing discomfort, address the problem. Our team is here to help you keep your ears healthy and your hearing clear.
Contact us to schedule an appointment if you’re concerned 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