Earwax may not be the most attractive topic, but it plays an essential part in keeping your ears healthy. In contrast to other bodily areas, such as your teeth, feet, or skin, which need routine upkeep to remain clean, earwax is generally self-sufficient and doesn’t demand frequent attention. Overly frequent efforts to get rid of it can actually be detrimental. Here’s what you should know.
What Exactly Is Cerumen?
Cerumen, also referred to as earwax, is a natural substance produced by glands located in your ear canal.
Earwax, a mix of secretions and dead skin cells, is often misunderstood, yet it serves a practical purpose. Its primary role is to protect your ears.
Earwax acts like a barrier, trapping dust, dirt, and bacteria before they can get to your eardrum. It also helps keep your ear canal hydrated and healthy, preventing dryness and irritation. Without it, your ears would be more susceptible to infection and damage.
Do You Need to Clean Your Ears?
Generally, regular upkeep is adequate and no additional cleaning is required. Your ears are made to clean themselves out. Routine everyday actions such as eating, speaking, bathing, and physical movement aid in the elimination of earwax by gradually propelling it outward, where it can then be naturally shed or washed off.
For the majority of individuals, earwax removal is not a concern that normally requires attention. However, with time, it can build up and turn into a concern for some people.
The Unseen Dangers of Excessive Earwax Accumulation
While earwax is usually 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 concern: indications of a potential problem
- Utilizing cotton swabs: Many individuals use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this can actually press wax deeper into the canal, causing a blockage. You can safely use these around the outer ear, but do not put them into the ear canal.
- Using earbuds, hearing aids, or earplugs can hinder the ear’s natural process of clearing out earwax, causing it to collect and potentially lead to blockages.
- Making too much wax: Some people naturally produce more earwax than others, which can raise the possibility of impaction.
Indications of Impacted Earwax
Excessive Earwax: Potential symptoms and repercussions to be aware of:
- Hearing loss or muted hearing
- Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ear)
- Discomfort or pressure in the ear
- Dizziness or balance issues
- Ear smell or drainage
Impacted earwax may cause an infection in certain instances. When you experience these symptoms, it’s important to seek help.
Leave Earwax Elimination to a Professional
Consulting a medical expert is advised if you are noticing excessive 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 try home remedies like over-the-counter ear drops or ear irrigation kits. These can sometimes be effective, but it’s smart to consult your provider first– particularly if you’ve had ear surgery, you have a background of ear infections, or you use hearing aids.
Seek Guidance When Unsure
Earwax is typically helpful, but if it is causing discomfort, address the issue. We’re dedicated to assisting you in maintaining ear health and maintaining sharp hearing.
If you’re experiencing unusual hearing changes or suspect an earwax blockage, reach out to us to arrange a consultation with one of our specialists.
Sources:
How To Remove Ear Wax: A Step-By-Step Guide– Audien Hearing
Impacted Earwax|Cedars-Sinai