You most likely don’t give a lot of thought to earwax accumulation unless you’re in the process of cleaning it out. However, comprehending what causes earwax, how it develops, and its purpose is crucial.
What triggers the buildup of earwax?
Earwax, technically known 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.
While the production amount of earwax varies from person to person, adults usually generate less earwax than children. Kids also usually have softer earwax that’s lighter in color than adults.
Earwax gets discharged 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:
- Fending off possible infections that might develop within the ear canal.
- Stopping itchiness and dryness by moisturizing and safeguarding the lining of the ear canal.
- Acting as a protective barricade against outside irritants like dirt, dust, and other foreign particles before they infiltrate deeper into the ear.
Earwax obstructions
Impacted earwax is a common problem, but it’s typically the only time you need to worry about it. Sometimes, earwax is unable to easily get to the opening of the ear due to narrow or unusually shaped ear canals.
Wax can be accidentally pushed up into the ear canal by utilizing poor cleaning methods like using cotton swabs.
People wrestling with hearing loss who utilize earplugs or hearing aids are also predisposed to experiencing ear canal obstructions.
How is hearing impacted by too much earwax?
Auditory health might be hindered and you may feel slight discomfort.
Additionally, significant buildup 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 obstructions go neglected.
Dealing with impacted earwax
It’s crucial that you contact us as soon as possible if you think your ears may be blocked by earwax. You may be advised to use 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 right away to schedule an appointment.
