While earwax may not be an exciting subject, it has a critical purpose in maintaining the health of your ears. Compared to your teeth, feet, or other body parts that necessitate regular cleaning efforts, earwax usually manages itself. Overly frequent efforts to get rid of it can actually be detrimental. Earwax is not intrinsically harmful, but it may cause problems at times. These are the key things to be mindful of.
What Is Earwax?
Earwax, medically known as cerumen, is a natural compound made by glands inside of your ear canal.
Earwax, a mixture of secretions and dead skin cells, is often misunderstood, yet it has a useful purpose. Its main role is to protect your ears.
Earwax works as a barrier, trapping dust, dirt, and bacteria before they can get to your eardrum. It also assists in maintaining moisture and promoting health in your ear canal to avoid dryness and discomfort. Without it, your ears would be more susceptible to infection and damage.
Do You Need to Clean Your Ears?
Typically, regular maintenance is sufficient and no extra cleaning is required. Your ears have a natural ability to remove dirt on their own. Routine everyday actions like eating, speaking, bathing, and physical movement aid in the removal of earwax by gradually propelling it outward, where it can then be naturally shed or rinsed off.
For the majority of individuals, earwax removal is not a problem that typically calls for attention. But for some, it can build up and become an issue.
When Earwax Becomes a Problem
Even though earwax generally helps our bodies, it can sometimes result in issues, particularly when it becomes impacted by being blocked or pushed too deeply into the ear canal.
Here’s when earwax might become a problem:
- Cotton swabs are commonly used by people to clean their ears; however, this action may inadvertently push earwax further down the ear canal, leading to obstructions. 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 clearing out earwax, causing it to collect and potentially lead to obstructions.
- Making too much wax: Some individuals normally produce more earwax than others, which can raise the possibility of impaction.
Symptoms of Earwax Buildup: What to Look for
If earwax builds up too much, you might experience:
- Experiencing trouble hearing or a muted sound
- An ear condition distinguished by ringing or buzzing sounds, known as tinnitus
- Earache or a feeling of fullness
- Problems with balance or feeling lightheaded
- Odor or discharge from the ear
In some situations, impacted earwax can even lead to an infection. If you detect these symptoms, it’s time to get some assistance.
Leave Earwax Elimination to a Professional
It’s recommended to consult a professional if you’re coping with earwax accumulation. Your primary care doctor, hearing specialist, or ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor can safely and comfortably eliminate it in the office. Some individuals 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 provider first– particularly if you’ve had ear surgery, you have a history of ear infections, or you use hearing aids.
When in Doubt, Ask
Earwax is usually a good thing, but if it’s troubling you, don’t ignore it. We’re committed to assisting you in maintaining ear health and maintaining sharp hearing.
If you’re experiencing abnormal hearing changes or suspect an earwax blockage, reach out to us to set up a consultation with one of our specialists.
Sources:
How To Remove Ear Wax: A Step-By-Step Guide– Audien Hearing
Impacted Earwax|Cedars-Sinai
