You probably don’t give much thought to earwax buildup unless you’re in the process of cleaning it out. However, understanding what causes earwax, how it develops, and its purpose is essential.
So why does earwax build-up?
Earwax, scientifically identified as cerumen, is a thick blend of debris, hair, skin particles, sweat, and ceruminous gland secretions. This earwax presents with a waxy consistency and can exhibit shades of orange, yellow, gray, or brown.
In most situations, children tend to produce more earwax than adults. Furthermore, adult earwax is usually darker and harder compared to that of children.
Earwax goes by the outer ear canal leisurely, ultimately reaching the ear opening, where it either self-expels or gets washed out when you bathe.
Why is earwax essential?
Earwax serves several crucial functions, such as:
- Fending off possible infections that might occur within the ear canal.
- Stopping itchiness and dryness by moisturizing and protecting the lining of the ear canal.
- Acting as a protective barrier against external irritants including dirt, dust, and other foreign particles before they penetrate deeper into the ear.
Earwax blockages
Typically, there’s no critical need to remove earwax from your ears unless it becomes impacted, a prevalent issue linked to earwax. In some cases, earwax is unable to easily get to the opening of the ear as a result of narrow or unusually shaped ear canals.
Wax can be accidentally crammed up into the ear canal by utilizing poor cleaning methods like using cotton swabs.
Individuals wrestling with hearing loss who utilize earplugs or hearing aids are also susceptible to experiencing ear canal blockages.
How is hearing impacted by excessive earwax?
Auditory health might be hindered and you might feel mild discomfort.
In addition, considerable accumulations of earwax can induce tinnitus, a feeling of ringing in the ears.
Acoustic trauma may result in long-term hearing loss, perforated eardrums, and long-term hearing loss if earwax blockages go neglected.
Addressing impacted earwax
It’s essential that you get in touch with us as soon as you can if you think your ears are blocked by earwax. Depending on the extent of the obstruction, you may be advised to utilize over-the-counter wax softening drops or a bulb syringe for gentle irrigation to alleviate the condition.
If you’re concerned about your earwax buildup, call us right away to schedule an appointment.
