While earwax may not be an exciting subject, it has a crucial function in maintaining the health of your ears. Unlike your teeth, feet, or other body parts that require routine cleaning efforts, earwax usually takes care of itself. In fact, trying to remove it too often can do more harm than good. Earwax is not intrinsically harmful, but it may cause issues at times. These are the fundamental things to be mindful of.
What Exactly Is Cerumen?
Cerumen, also referred to as earwax, is a natural material produced 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 role is to protect your ears.
Earwax acts like a barrier, trapping dust, dirt, and bacteria before they can get to your eardrum. It also helps in preserving moisture and promoting health in your ear canal to prevent dryness and discomfort. Without it, your ears would be more prone to infection and damage.
Is There a Need to Clean Your Ears?
In most cases, no special cleaning is needed. Your ears are designed to clean themselves out. Everyday activities– include chewing, talking, showering, and moving about– help push old wax to the surface, where it naturally flakes or rinses away.
Most children and adults never have to worry about eliminating earwax. However, over time, it can accumulate and turn into a problem for some individuals.
When Earwax Becomes an issue
Although earwax typically benefits our bodies, it can sometimes result in problems, particularly when it becomes impacted by being blocked or pushed too deeply into the ear canal.
Here’s when earwax may become an issue:
- Utilizing cotton swabs: Many people use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this can actually push wax deeper into the canal, creating a blockage. 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 hinder the ear’s natural process of clearing out earwax, causing it to accumulate and potentially result in blockages.
- Excessive earwax creation: A common problem for some individuals, resulting in a higher likelihood of earwax buildup and potential impaction.
Signs of Impacted Earwax
If earwax builds up too much, you might experience:
- Experiencing difficulty hearing or a muted sound
- An ear condition distinguished by ringing or buzzing sounds, known as tinnitus
- Earache or a feeling of fullness
- Issues with balance or feeling lightheaded
- Odor or excretion from the ear
Impacted earwax might cause an infection in certain circumstances. If you notice these symptoms, it’s time to get some assistance.
Leave Earwax Removal to a Professional
It’s best to see a professional if you’re coping with earwax accumulation. Your regular physician, an audiologist, or an otolaryngologist can easily and painlessly take it out at their office. Some people try home remedies like over-the-counter ear drops or ear irrigation kits. These can sometimes be useful, but it’s smart to check with your provider first– particularly if you’ve had ear surgery, you have a background of ear infections, or you use hearing aids.
When in Doubt, Ask
Earwax is typically a good thing, but if it’s bothering you, don’t ignore it. We’re committed to assisting you in preserving ear health and preserving sharp hearing.
Contact us to schedule an appointment if you’re worried about earwax accumulation or any changes in your hearing.
Sources:
How To Remove Ear Wax: A Step-By-Step Guide– Audien Hearing
Impacted Earwax|Cedars-Sinai
