It’s likely that earwax and its buildup haven’t been subjects of significant consideration for you, except perhaps during ear hygiene routines. However, comprehending what causes earwax, how it forms, and its purpose is essential.
So why does earwax build-up?
Earwax, also scientifically called cerumen, is composed of a combination of sweat, skin particles, hair, debris, and ceruminous gland secretions. This earwax presents with a waxy texture and can exhibit shades of orange, yellow, gray, or brown.
In most instances, kids tend to generate more earwax than adults. Children also usually have softer earwax that’s lighter in color than adults.
Earwax gets expelled or washed out after going by the outer ear canal and reaching the opening of the ear.
Why do we need earwax?
Here are some important functions that earwax serves:
- Helping counter ear infections.
- Protecting and moisturizing the skin lining the ear canal, thus preventing dryness and itchiness.
- Before things like dust, dirt, or other external debris get further up into the ear canal, earwax acts as a barrier.
Blockages caused by earwax
Typically, there’s no crucial need to clean out earwax from your ears unless it becomes impacted, a common problem linked to earwax. In some cases, earwax is unable to easily get to the opening of the ear due to narrow or abnormally shaped ear canals.
Wax can be accidentally pushed up into the ear canal by utilizing poor cleaning methods like using cotton swabs.
Earwax blockages are often experienced by people who often use earplugs, earbuds, or hearing aids.
How excessive earwax can impact hearing
The occurrence of earwax blockages might yield mild discomfort and dampen auditory health.
Ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, could also occur.
Acoustic trauma may result in long-term hearing impairment, perforated eardrums, and long-term hearing loss if earwax blockages go neglected.
Addressing impacted earwax
It’s crucial that you get in touch with us as soon as you can if you think your ears may be blocked by earwax. You may be advised to utilize over-the-counter products like a bulb syringe or earwax softening drops to clear the wax out, depending on the extent of the blockage.
Contact us right away if you need some assistance with an earwax blockage.