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 regular cleaning endeavours, earwax usually takes care of 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?
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 frequently misunderstood, yet it has a useful purpose. Its main job? Protecting your ears.
Earwax serves as a defensive shield, capturing debris and microorganisms that could possibly harm the fragile surface of your eardrum. It also helps in maintaining moisture and promoting health in your ear canal to avoid dryness and soreness. If it weren’t for this protective mechanism, your ears would be more susceptible to harm and illness.
Do You Need to Clean Your Ears?
In most cases, no specific cleaning is needed. Your ears have a natural ability to get rid of dirt on their own. Everyday activities– like chewing, talking, showering, and moving about– help drive old wax to the surface, where it naturally flakes or washes 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.
The Unseen Dangers of Excessive Earwax Accumulation
While earwax is usually a friend to our bodies, there are times it can cause trouble, particularly if it becomes impacted (blocked or crammed too far into the ear canal).
When earwax becomes a worry: indications of a potential problem
- Utilizing cotton swabs: Many people use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this can actually press wax deeper into the canal, causing an obstruction. You can safely utilize these around the outer ear, but do not put them into the ear canal.
- Using earbuds, hearing aids, or earplugs can impede the ear’s natural process of removing earwax, causing it to collect and potentially lead to blockages.
- Producing too much wax: Some people naturally generate more earwax than others, which can raise the possibility of impaction.
Signs of Impacted Earwax
Excessive Earwax: Possible symptoms and repercussions to be aware of:
- Hearing loss or muted hearing
- An ear condition distinguished by ringing or buzzing sounds, called tinnitus
- Earache or a feeling of fullness
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Odor or excretion from the ear
Impacted earwax might cause an infection in certain instances. When you experience these signs, it’s important to seek assistance.
Leave Earwax Elimination to a Professional
It’s recommended to consult a professional if you’re dealing with earwax buildup. Your regular physician, an audiologist, or an otolaryngologist can easily and painlessly take it out at their clinic. Some people experiment with home remedies including non-prescription ear drops or ear irrigation kits. It’s a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider before attempting these methods, particularly if you have a history of ear problems, such as ear infections or previous ear surgery, or if you wear hearing aids.
Seek Guidance When Unsure
Earwax is typically helpful, but if it is causing discomfort, address the problem. We’re committed to supporting you in preserving ear health and maintaining sharp hearing.
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