You probably don’t give much thought to earwax accumulation unless you’re in the process of clearing it out. Still, it’s crucial to have an understanding of its purpose and how it develops.
What triggers the buildup of earwax?
Earwax, also technically called cerumen, is composed of a combination of sweat, skin particles, hair, debris, and ceruminous gland secretions. Earwax will appear as a waxy substance that will usually be yellow, orange, brown, or even grey.
While the production amount of earwax differs from person to person, adults usually produce less earwax than kids. Furthermore, adult earwax tends to be darker and harder compared to that of children.
Earwax passes the outer ear canal naturally, eventually reaching the ear opening, where it either self-expels or gets washed out when you bathe.
Why is earwax important?
Here are some crucial functions that earwax serves:
- Acting as a protective barrier against outside irritants like dirt, dust, and other foreign particles before they infiltrate deeper into the ear.
- Safeguarding and lubricating the skin lining the ear canal, thus preventing dryness and itchiness.
- Fending off possible infections that may occur within the ear canal.
Blockages caused by earwax
Typically, there’s no imperative need to remove earwax from your ears unless it becomes impacted, a common issue associated with earwax. Sometimes, earwax is unable to easily get to the opening of the ear as a result of narrow or abnormally shaped ear canals.
Poor ear hygiene practices, like using cotton swabs or bobby pins, can unintentionally push wax deeper into the ear canal.
Earwax blockages are frequently experienced by individuals who often use earplugs, earbuds, or hearing aids.
How is hearing impacted by too much earwax?
Auditory health might be impeded and you may feel minor discomfort.
Ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, may also occur.
Untreated earwax obstructions might intensify into middle ear infections, perforated eardrums, or enduring hearing impairment as a result of acoustic trauma.
Dealing with impacted earwax
If you think you have an earwax blockage, consulting us quickly is essential. You might be advised to use over-the-counter products such as a bulb syringe or earwax softening drops to clean the wax out, depending on the extent of the obstruction.
If you’re concerned about your earwax buildup, call us today to schedule an appointment.