Earwax might not be the most glamorous topic, but it plays an important part in keeping your ears healthy. Compared to your teeth, feet, or other body parts that require regular cleaning efforts, earwax usually manages itself. Overly frequent efforts to get rid of it can actually be detrimental. These are the key things to be aware of.
What Exactly Is Cerumen?
Cerumen, also called earwax, is a natural material produced by glands located in your ear canal.
Earwax, a mix of secretions and dead skin cells, is frequently misunderstood, yet it serves a useful purpose. Its main role is to protect your ears.
Earwax works as a defensive shield, capturing debris and microorganisms that could potentially harm the fragile surface of your eardrum. It also helps keep your ear canal hydrated and healthy, preventing dryness and inflammation. If it weren’t for this protective system, your ears would be more vulnerable to harm and illness.
Do You Need to Clean Your Ears?
In most cases, no specific cleaning is required. Your ears are made to clean themselves out. Daily activities– like chewing, talking, showering, and moving around– help push old wax to the surface, where it naturally flakes or washes away.
Most kids and adults never need to b e concerned about eliminating earwax. However, with time, it can accumulate and turn into a problem for certain individuals.
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 pushed too far into the ear canal).
When earwax becomes a worry: signs of a possible issue
- Utilizing cotton swabs: Many individuals use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this can actually push wax deeper into the canal, causing an obstruction. It’s okay to use these carefully around the outer ear, but steer clear of inserting them into the ear canal.
- Using earbuds, hearing aids, or earplugs can impede the ear’s natural process of removing earwax, causing it to accumulate and potentially result in obstructions.
- Producing too much wax: Some people naturally produce more earwax than others, which can raise the possibility of impaction.
Indications of Impacted Earwax
If earwax builds up too much, you might experience:
- Experiencing trouble hearing or a muted sound
- Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ear)
- Discomfort or pressure in the ear
- Problems with balance or feeling lightheaded
- Odor or discharge from the ear
Impacted earwax might lead to an infection in certain circumstances. If you detect these symptoms, it’s time to get some help.
Leave Earwax Elimination to a Professional
Speaking with a medical professional is recommended if you are noticing extreme earwax build-up. Your primary care provider, hearing specialist, or ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor can safely and comfortably eliminate it in the office. Some individuals try home remedies like over-the-counter ear drops or ear irrigation kits. It’s a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider before attempting these methods, particularly if you have a history of ear issues, including ear infections or previous ear surgery, or if you use hearing aids.
When in Doubt, Ask
Earwax is typically beneficial, but if it is causing discomfort, address the problem. Our team is here to help you keep your ears healthy and your hearing clear.
Contact us to set up 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
