You most likely don’t give much thought to earwax buildup unless you’re in the process of clearing it out. However, understanding what causes earwax, how it develops, and its purpose is crucial.
So why does earwax accumulate?
Earwax, scientifically known as cerumen, is a thick blend of debris, hair, skin particles, sweat, and ceruminous gland secretions. Earwax will appear as a waxy substance that will typically be yellow, orange, brown, or even grey.
While the production amount of earwax differs from individual to individual, adults typically produce less earwax than kids. Children also typically have softer earwax that’s lighter in color than adults.
Earwax gets expelled or washed out after passing the outer ear canal and reaching the opening of the ear.
Why do we need earwax?
Earwax serves several crucial functions, such as:
- Stopping itchiness and dryness by lubricating and safeguarding the lining of the ear canal.
- Acting as a protective barricade against outside irritants such as dirt, dust, and other foreign particles before they infiltrate deeper into the ear.
- Helping counter ear infections.
Earwax blockages
Typically, there’s no crucial need to clean out earwax from your ears unless it becomes impacted, a common 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 unintentionally crammed up into the ear canal by utilizing improper cleaning methods like using cotton swabs.
Earwax obstructions are frequently experienced by individuals who often use earplugs, earbuds, or hearing aids.
How is hearing impacted by too much earwax?
The occurrence of earwax blockages might yield mild discomfort and impact auditory health.
Additionally, significant accumulations of earwax can induce tinnitus, a feeling of ringing in the ears.
Acoustic trauma may lead to long-term hearing impairment, perforated eardrums, and long-term hearing loss if earwax blockages go neglected.
Addressing impacted earwax
It’s essential that you contact us as soon as possible if you think your ears are blocked by earwax. You may be advised to utilize over-the-counter products such as a bulb syringe or earwax softening drops to clear the wax out, depending on the extent of the blockage.
If you’re concerned about your earwax buildup, call us today to schedule an appointment.
