Earwax might not be the most attractive topic, but it plays an important part in keeping your ears healthy. As opposed to other bodily areas, including your teeth, feet, or skin, which need routine upkeep to stay clean, earwax is typically self-sufficient and doesn’t demand constant attention. In fact, trying to remove it too often can do more harm than good. 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.
It’s a combination of secretions and dead skin cells, and despite its reputation, earwax is actually beneficial. Its primary role is to safeguard your ears.
Earwax works as a barrier, trapping dust, dirt, and bacteria before they can get to your eardrum. It also assists in maintaining 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?
Generally, normal maintenance is adequate and no extra cleaning is required. Your ears are made to clean themselves out. Regular daily actions such as eating, speaking, bathing, and physical movement help in the elimination of earwax by slowly propelling it outward, where it can then be naturally shed or washed off.
Most children and adults never need to b e concerned about removing earwax. However, over time, it can accumulate and become a concern for some people.
When Earwax Becomes a Problem
While earwax is typically a friend to our bodies, there are times it can cause trouble, especially if it becomes impacted (blocked or crammed too far into the ear canal).
When earwax becomes a worry: signs of a possible issue
- Cotton swabs are often used by individuals to clean their ears; however, this action might inadvertently push earwax further into the ear canal, leading to obstructions. 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 clearing out earwax, causing it to collect and potentially result in blockages.
- Excessive earwax production: A common problem for some individuals, resulting in a higher likelihood of earwax buildup and potential impaction.
Symptoms of Earwax Buildup: What to Look for
Excessive Earwax: Possible symptoms and consequences to be aware of:
- Experiencing difficulty hearing or a muffled sound
- Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ear)
- Discomfort or pressure in the ear
- Dizziness or balance issues
- Odor or discharge from the ear
Impacted earwax may lead to an infection in certain circumstances. When you experience these symptoms, it’s important to seek assistance.
Leave Earwax Removal to a Professional
It’s best to see a professional if you’re coping with earwax accumulation. Your primary care provider, hearing specialist, or ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor can safely and comfortably remove it in the office. Some individuals experiment with home remedies such as non-prescription ear drops or ear irrigation kits. It’s a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider before trying these strategies, particularly if you have a history of ear problems, including ear infections or previous ear surgery, or if you use hearing aids.
Seek Guidance When Unsure
Earwax is usually a good thing, but if it’s bothering you, don’t disregard it. Our team is here to help you keep your ears healthy and your hearing clear.
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