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 crucial to have an understanding of its purpose and how it develops.
What causes the buildup of earwax?
Earwax, scientifically known as cerumen, is a thick combination of debris, hair, skin particles, sweat, and ceruminous gland secretions. This earwax presents with a waxy consistency and can exhibit shades of orange, yellow, gray, or brown.
While the production amount of earwax differs from individual to individual, adults usually produce less earwax than children. Moreover, adult earwax tends to be darker and harder compared to that of kids.
Earwax gets expelled or washed out after going by the outer ear canal and reaching the opening of the ear.
Why is earwax crucial?
Earwax serves several critical functions, such as:
- Fending off potential infections that might develop within the ear canal.
- Protecting and moisturizing the skin lining the ear canal, thus preventing dryness and itchiness.
- Acting as a protective barricade against external irritants like dirt, dust, and other foreign particles before they infiltrate deeper into the ear.
Blockages caused by earwax
Impacted earwax is a prevalent problem, but it’s usually the only time you need to be concerned about it. In some cases, earwax is unable to easily get to the opening of the ear due to narrow or unusually shaped ear canals.
Wax can be accidentally pushed up into the ear canal by utilizing improper cleaning methods like using cotton swabs.
Earwax blockages are often experienced by people who often use earplugs, earbuds, or hearing aids.
How too much earwax can affect hearing
The presence of earwax blockages may yield slight discomfort and impact auditory health.
Additionally, considerable buildup of earwax can induce tinnitus, a feeling of ringing in the ears.
Untreated earwax blockages might escalate into middle ear infections, perforated eardrums, or enduring hearing impairment as a result of acoustic trauma.
How do you deal with impacted wax?
Should you think you have an earwax blockage, consulting us immediately is imperative. Depending on the severity of the obstruction, you might be advised to use over-the-counter wax softening drops or a bulb syringe for gentle irrigation to alleviate the condition.
If you’re concerned about your earwax buildup, call us right away to schedule an appointment.
