You most likely don’t give a lot of thought to earwax buildup unless you’re in the process of clearing it out. However, comprehending what causes earwax, how it develops, and its purpose is crucial.
What triggers the buildup of earwax?
Earwax, scientifically identified as cerumen, is a dense combination of debris, hair, skin particles, sweat, and ceruminous gland secretions. This earwax presents with a waxy consistency and can show shades of orange, yellow, gray, or brown.
While the production amount of earwax differs from individual to individual, adults usually produce less earwax than children. Kids also typically have softer earwax that’s lighter in color than adults.
Earwax gets discharged or washed out after going by the outer ear canal and reaching the opening of the ear.
Why do we need earwax?
Earwax serves several essential functions, such as:
- Before things like dust, dirt, or other external debris go further up into the ear canal, earwax acts as a barrier.
- Helping prevent ear infections.
- Protecting and moisturizing the skin lining the ear canal, thereby preventing dryness and itchiness.
Blockages caused by earwax
Usually, there’s no crucial need to remove earwax from your ears unless it becomes impacted, a prevalent issue linked to earwax. Impacted earwax can be the result of narrow or abnormally shaped ear canals hindering the normal movement of earwax toward the ear’s opening.
Wax can be accidentally pushed up into the ear canal by utilizing improper cleaning methods like using cotton swabs.
Individuals wrestling with hearing loss who make use of earplugs or hearing aids are also susceptible to experiencing ear canal obstructions.
How is hearing affected by too much earwax?
Auditory health may be impeded and you may feel mild discomfort.
Ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, might also occur.
Untreated earwax blockages may intensify into middle ear infections, perforated eardrums, or enduring hearing loss due to acoustic trauma.
How do you tackle impacted wax?
If you suspect an earwax blockage, consulting us immediately is essential. You might be advised to utilize over-the-counter products such as a bulb syringe or earwax softening drops to clean the wax out, depending on the severity of the blockage.
Call us right away if you need some assistance with an earwax blockage.
