You most likely don’t give a lot of thought to earwax buildup unless you’re in the process of cleaning it out. Still, it’s essential to have an understanding of its purpose and how it develops.
So why does earwax build-up?
Earwax, scientifically called cerumen, is a thick blend of debris, hair, skin particles, sweat, and ceruminous gland secretions. Earwax will appear as a waxy substance that will typically be yellow, orange, brown, or even grey.
While the production amount of earwax differs 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 goes by the outer ear canal leisurely, ultimately reaching the ear opening, where it either self-expels or gets washed out when you bathe.
Why do we need earwax?
Earwax serves several critical functions, such as:
- Helping counter ear infections.
- Before things such as dust, dirt, or other external debris go further up into the ear canal, earwax acts as a roadblock.
- Protecting and lubricating the skin lining the ear canal, thereby preventing dryness and itchiness.
Blockages caused by earwax
Impacted earwax is a prevalent problem, but it’s typically the only time you need to worry about it. Impacted earwax can stem from narrow or abnormally shaped ear canals hindering the normal movement of earwax toward the ear’s opening.
Poor ear hygiene methods, like using cotton swabs or bobby pins, can inadvertently jam wax deeper into the ear canal.
People wrestling with hearing loss who use earplugs or hearing aids are also predisposed to experiencing ear canal blockages.
How is hearing affected by too much earwax?
The occurrence of earwax blockages might yield slight discomfort and dampen auditory health.
In addition, considerable accumulations of earwax can induce tinnitus, a sensation of ringing in the ears.
Neglected earwax blockages might intensify into middle ear infections, perforated eardrums, or enduring hearing loss as a result of acoustic trauma.
How do you deal with impacted wax?
It’s crucial that you contact us as soon as you can if you think your ears may be blocked by earwax. You might be advised to utilize over-the-counter products such as a bulb syringe or earwax softening drops to clean the wax out, depending on the severity of the blockage.
If you’re concerned about your earwax buildup, call us today to schedule an appointment.