Earwax might not be the most attractive topic, but it plays an important role in keeping your ears healthy. As opposed to other bodily areas, such as your teeth, feet, or skin, which require routine maintenance to remain clean, earwax is generally self-sufficient and doesn’t require constant attention. In fact, trying to remove it too often can do more harm than good. Earwax is not intrinsically harmful, but it might cause issues at times. Here’s what you should know.
What Is Earwax?
Cerumen, also called earwax, is a natural material 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 main function? Safeguarding your ears.
Earwax acts like a barrier, capturing dust, dirt, and bacteria before they can get to your eardrum. It also helps in maintaining moisture and promoting health in your ear canal to prevent dryness and discomfort. Without it, your ears would be more susceptible to infection and damage.
Is There a Need to Clean Your Ears?
In most cases, no specific cleaning is required. Your ears are designed to clean themselves out. Regular daily actions like eating, speaking, bathing, and physical movement help in the elimination of earwax by gradually propelling it outward, where it can then be naturally shed or rinsed off.
Most children and adults never need to worry about eliminating earwax. But for saome people, it can build up and become an issue.
The Unseen Dangers of Excessive Earwax Accumulation
Even though earwax generally benefits our bodies, it can occasionally result in problems, especially when it becomes impacted by being blocked or pushed too deeply into the ear canal.
When earwax becomes a concern: indications of a possible problem
- Cotton swabs are commonly used by individuals to clean their ears; however, this action might inadvertently push earwax further into the ear canal, causing obstructions. 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 collect and potentially lead to obstructions.
- Making too much wax: Some individuals normally generate more earwax than others, which can raise the possibility of impaction.
Symptoms of Earwax Accumulation: What to Look for
Excessive Earwax: Possible symptoms and repercussions to be aware of:
- Hearing loss or muffled hearing
- An ear condition characterized by ringing or buzzing sounds, known as tinnitus
- Discomfort or pressure in the ear
- Problems with balance or feeling lightheaded
- Odor or excretion from the ear
Impacted earwax may lead to an infection in certain instances. If you notice these symptoms, it’s time to get some help.
Leave Earwax Removal to a Professional
Consulting a medical professional is recommended if you are noticing extreme earwax build-up. Your primary care doctor, hearing specialist, or ENT (ear, nose, and throat) physician can safely and comfortably eliminate it in the office. Some people experiment with home remedies including non-prescription ear drops or ear irrigation kits. It’s a good plan to talk with your healthcare provider before trying these strategies, especially if you have a history of ear issues, such as ear infections or previous ear surgery, or if you wear hearing aids.
When in Doubt, Ask
Earwax is usually helpful, but if it is causing discomfort, address the problem. We’re committed to assisting you in maintaining ear health and preserving sharp hearing.
If you’re experiencing abnormal hearing changes or suspect an earwax obstruction, reach out to us to set up a consultation with one of our experts.
Sources:
How To Remove Ear Wax: A Step-By-Step Guide– Audien Hearing
Impacted Earwax|Cedars-Sinai
