Earwax may not be the most attractive topic, but it plays an essential part in keeping your ears healthy. As opposed to other bodily areas, including your teeth, feet, or skin, which require routine maintenance to remain clean, earwax is generally self-sufficient and doesn’t demand frequent attention. In fact, trying to remove it too often can do more harm than good. Earwax is not inherently harmful, but it may cause problems at times. Here’s what you should know.
What Exactly Is Cerumen?
Earwax, medically known as cerumen, is a natural substance made by glands inside your ear canal.
Earwax, a mixture of secretions and dead skin cells, is often misunderstood, yet it serves a useful purpose. Its main job? Safeguarding your ears.
Earwax works as a protective shield, catching debris and microorganisms that could potentially harm the fragile surface of your eardrum. It also helps in preserving moisture and promoting health in your ear canal to prevent dryness and discomfort. If it weren’t for this protective system, your ears would be more vulnerable to harm and illness.
Is There a Need to Clean Your Ears?
In most cases, no specific cleaning is required. Your ears have a BUILT IN ability to remove dirt on their own. Routine daily actions like eating, speaking, bathing, and physical movement help in the elimination of earwax by slowly directing it outward, where it can then be naturally shed or washed off.
Most children and adults never have to worry about eliminating earwax. However, over time, it can build up and turn into a problem for some people.
When Earwax Becomes a Problem
Although earwax generally benefits our bodies, it can occasionally lead to problems, particularly when it becomes impacted by being blocked or pushed too far up into the ear canal.
When earwax becomes a concern: indications of a potential issue
- Using 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 insert them into the ear canal.
- Using earbuds, hearing aids, or earplugs can impede the ear’s natural process of removing earwax, causing it to collect and potentially result in obstructions.
- Excessive earwax production: A prevalent issue for some individuals, leading to a higher risk of earwax buildup and potential impaction.
Signs of Impacted Earwax
If earwax builds up too much, you might experience:
- Hearing loss or muffled hearing
- Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ear)
- Pain or pressure in the ear
- Vertigo or balance problems
- Odor or discharge from the ear
Impacted earwax may lead to an infection in certain circumstances. If you detect these symptoms, it’s time to get some assistance.
Safe Earwax Elimination: Leave It to the Pros
It’s recommended to consult 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 clinic. Some individuals experiment with home remedies such as non-prescription ear drops or ear irrigation kits. It’s a good idea to talk with your healthcare provider before attempting these strategies, especially if you have a history of ear problems, such as ear infections or previous ear surgery, or if you wear hearing aids.
When in Doubt, Ask
Earwax is usually a good thing, but if it’s bothering you, don’t disregard it. We’re dedicated to supporting 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