You probably 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, technically identified as cerumen, is a thick combination of debris, hair, skin particles, sweat, and ceruminous gland secretions. Earwax will show up as a waxy substance that will normally be yellow, orange, brown, or even grey.
In most situations, kids tend to generate more earwax than adults. Kids also usually have softer earwax that’s lighter in color than adults.
Earwax gets discharged or washed out after going by the outer ear canal and reaching the opening of the ear.
Why do we need earwax?
Here are a few important functions that earwax serves:
- Stopping itchiness and dryness by moisturizing and protecting the lining of the ear canal.
- Before things such as dust, dirt, or other external debris go further up into the ear canal, earwax acts as a roadblock.
- Helping prevent ear infections.
Earwax blockages
Usually, there’s no critical need to remove earwax from your ears unless it becomes impacted, a common issue linked to earwax. Impacted earwax can stem from narrow or unusually shaped ear canals impeding the normal movement of earwax toward the ear’s opening.
Wax can be accidentally crammed up into the ear canal by utilizing improper cleaning methods like using cotton swabs.
Earwax obstructions are often experienced by individuals who often use earplugs, earbuds, or hearing aids.
How is hearing impacted by too much earwax?
Auditory health might be hindered and you may feel mild discomfort.
Additionally, considerable accumulations of earwax can induce tinnitus, a feeling of ringing in the ears.
Neglected earwax obstructions may intensify into middle ear infections, perforated eardrums, or enduring hearing loss as a result of acoustic trauma.
Dealing with impacted earwax
It’s essential that you get in touch with us as soon as you can if you think your ears are 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.
Give us a call right away if you need some assistance with an earwax obstruction.
