Earwax might not be the most glamorous topic, but it plays an essential role in keeping your ears healthy. In contrast to other bodily areas, such as your teeth, feet, or skin, which require routine maintenance to stay clean, earwax is typically self-sufficient and doesn’t require constant attention. In fact, trying to remove it too often can do more harm than good. Here’s what you should know.
What Is Earwax?
Earwax, scientifically known as cerumen, is a natural compound made by glands inside your ear canal.
Earwax, a mix of secretions and dead skin cells, is frequently misunderstood, yet it serves a useful purpose. Its main job? Safeguarding your ears.
Earwax works as a defensive shield, capturing debris and microorganisms that could potentially harm the delicate surface of your eardrum. It also helps keep your ear canal hydrated and healthy, reducing dryness and inflammation. If it weren’t for this protective system, your ears would be more susceptible to harm and illness.
Do You Need to Clean Your Ears?
In most cases, no specific cleaning is required. Your ears are designed to clean themselves out. Routine daily actions like eating, speaking, bathing, and physical movement help in the removal of earwax by slowly propelling it outward, where it can then be naturally shed or rinsed off.
Most children and adults never have to b e concerned about eliminating earwax. But for some, it can build up and become a problem.
When Earwax Becomes a Problem
While earwax is usually a friend to our bodies, there are times it can become problematic, particularly if it becomes impacted (blocked or pushed too far into the ear canal).
Here’s when earwax may develop into an issue:
- Utilizing cotton swabs: Many individuals use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this can actually press wax deeper into the canal, causing an obstruction. It’s fine to use these gently 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 lead to blockages.
- Excessive earwax creation: A prevalent issue for some individuals, leading to a higher likelihood of earwax accumulation and potential impaction.
Indications of Impacted Earwax
If earwax accumulates too much, you might experience:
- Hearing loss or muffled hearing
- An ear condition distinguished by ringing or buzzing sounds, known as tinnitus
- Earache or a feeling of fullness
- Vertigo or balance issues
- Odor or discharge from the ear
In some cases, impacted earwax can even lead to an infection. If you notice these symptoms, it’s time to get some assistance.
Safe Earwax Removal: Leave It to the Pros
Speaking with a medical expert is recommended if you are experiencing extreme earwax accumulation. Your regular doctor, 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 check with 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 usually a good thing, but if it’s troubling you, don’t ignore it. Our team is here to help you keep your ears healthy and your hearing clear.
If you’re experiencing unusual hearing changes or suspect an earwax blockage, reach out to us to set up a consultation with one of our experts.
Sources:
How To Remove Ear Wax: A Step-By-Step Guide– Audien Hearing
Impacted Earwax|Cedars-Sinai