Chances are, earwax and its buildup haven’t been subjects of significant contemplation for you, except maybe during ear hygiene routines. Still, it’s crucial to have an understanding of its purpose and how it develops.
So why does earwax accumulate?
Earwax, also technically 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 show shades of orange, yellow, gray, or brown.
While the production amount of earwax varies from person to person, adults typically generate less earwax than children. Furthermore, adult earwax is usually darker and harder compared to that of kids.
Earwax passes the outer ear canal leisurely, ultimately reaching the ear opening, where it either self-expels or gets washed out when you bathe.
Why is earwax crucial?
Earwax serves several critical functions, such as:
- Helping prevent ear infections.
- Acting as a protective barrier against external irritants such as dirt, dust, and other foreign particles before they penetrate deeper into the ear.
- Stopping itchiness and dryness by moisturizing and protecting the lining of the ear canal.
Blockages caused by earwax
Typically, there’s no critical need to clean out earwax from your ears unless it becomes impacted, a common problem associated with earwax. Impacted earwax can stem from narrow or unusually shaped ear canals impeding the normal movement of earwax toward the ear’s periphery.
Wax can be accidentally pushed up into the ear canal by utilizing improper cleaning methods like using cotton swabs.
People grappling with hearing loss who use earplugs or hearing aids are also predisposed to experiencing ear canal obstructions.
How too much earwax can affect hearing
The occurrence of earwax blockages may yield mild discomfort and dampen auditory health.
Ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, may also happen.
Untreated earwax blockages may escalate into middle ear infections, perforated eardrums, or enduring hearing impairment as a result of acoustic trauma.
Dealing with impacted earwax
It’s essential that you get in touch with us as soon as possible if you think your ears may be blocked by earwax. You might be advised to use over-the-counter products like a bulb syringe or earwax softening drops to clean the wax out, depending on the severity of the blockage.
If you’re concerned about your earwax buildup, call us today to schedule an appointment.