While earwax might not be an exciting subject, it serves a crucial purpose in maintaining the health of your ears. As opposed to other bodily areas, including your teeth, feet, or skin, which require routine upkeep to stay clean, earwax is generally self-sufficient and doesn’t require frequent attention. In fact, trying to remove it too often can do more harm than good. Earwax is not inherently harmful, but it might cause problems at times. These are the key things to be mindful of.
What Exactly Is Cerumen?
Cerumen, also referred to as earwax, is a natural material produced by glands located in your ear canal.
Earwax, a mix of secretions and dead skin cells, is often misunderstood, yet it has a useful purpose. Its primary role is to safeguard your ears.
Earwax works as a protective shield, capturing debris and microorganisms that could possibly harm the fragile surface of your eardrum. It also helps keep your ear canal hydrated and healthy, reducing dryness and inflammation. Without it, your ears would be more susceptible to infection and damage.
Is There a Need to Clean Your Ears?
Typically, regular upkeep is sufficient and no extra cleaning is required. Your ears are designed to clean themselves out. Daily activities– like chewing, talking, showering, and moving around– help drive old wax to the surface, where it naturally flakes or washes away.
Most kids and adults never have to worry about removing earwax. But for some, it can build up and become an issue.
When Earwax Becomes an issue
Even though earwax typically helps our bodies, it can sometimes lead to problems, especially when it becomes impacted by being blocked or pushed too deeply into the ear canal.
When earwax becomes a concern: signs of a potential issue
- Cotton swabs are commonly used by individuals to clean their ears; however, this action might unintentionally push earwax further into the ear canal, leading to obstructions. You can safely use 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 removing earwax, causing it to collect and potentially lead to blockages.
- Excessive earwax creation: A prevalent problem for some people, leading to a higher risk of earwax accumulation and potential impaction.
Symptoms of Earwax Buildup: What to Look for
Excessive Earwax: Potential symptoms and repercussions to be aware of:
- Hearing loss or muted hearing
- An ear condition distinguished by ringing or buzzing sounds, known as tinnitus
- Pain or pressure in the ear
- Issues with balance or feeling lightheaded
- Odor or excretion from the ear
Impacted earwax may cause an infection in certain instances. When you experience these signs, it’s important to seek help.
Safe Earwax Elimination: Leave It to the Pros
Consulting a medical expert is recommended if you are noticing extreme earwax accumulation. Your regular physician, an audiologist, or an otolaryngologist can easily and painlessly take it out at their clinic. Some individuals try home remedies like over-the-counter ear drops or ear irrigation kits. These can sometimes be useful, but it’s smart to consult your doctor first– particularly if you’ve had ear surgery, you have a history of ear infections, or you use hearing aids.
When in Doubt, Ask
Earwax is typically helpful, but if it is causing discomfort, address the issue. Our team is here to help you keep your ears healthy and your hearing clear.
Contact us to schedule an appointment if you’re concerned 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