While earwax may not be a thrilling subject, it has a crucial purpose in maintaining the health of your ears. Unlike your teeth, feet, or other body parts that necessitate routine cleaning efforts, earwax normally takes care of itself. In fact, trying to remove it too often can do more harm than good. Here’s what you should know.
What Is Earwax?
Cerumen, also called earwax, is a natural material generated by glands located in your ear canal.
Earwax, a mixture of secretions and dead skin cells, is often misunderstood, yet it serves a useful purpose. Its main role is to safeguard your ears.
Earwax acts like a barrier, capturing dust, dirt, and bacteria before they can reach your eardrum. It also helps in preserving moisture and promoting health in your ear canal to prevent dryness and soreness. Without it, your ears would be more susceptible to infection and damage.
Do You Need to Clean Your Ears?
In most cases, no specific cleaning is needed. Your ears have a natural ability to remove dirt on their own. Daily activities– like chewing, talking, showering, and moving about– help drive old wax to the surface, where it naturally flakes or rinses away.
Most kids and adults never have to worry about removing earwax. However, over time, it can build up and turn into a concern for certain individuals.
When Earwax Becomes a Problem
While earwax is typically a friend to our bodies, there are times it can become problematic, particularly if it becomes impacted (blocked or crammed too far into the ear canal).
Here’s when earwax might develop into an issue:
- Cotton swabs are often utilized by people to clean their ears; however, this action might inadvertently push earwax further into the ear canal, causing blockages. You can safely use these around the outer ear, but do not put them into the ear canal.
- Wearing earbuds, hearing aids, or earplugs: These devices can stop earwax from naturally working its way out of the ear, resulting in buildup.
- Excessive earwax creation: A common issue for some people, leading to a higher likelihood of earwax accumulation and potential impaction.
Symptoms of Earwax Buildup: What to Watch For
Excessive Earwax: Possible symptoms and repercussions to be aware of:
- Experiencing trouble hearing or a muffled sound
- An ear condition characterized by ringing or buzzing sounds, called tinnitus
- Discomfort or pressure in the ear
- Issues with balance or feeling lightheaded
- Odor or discharge from the ear
Impacted earwax may cause an infection in certain instances. When you experience these symptoms, it’s important to seek assistance.
Leave Earwax Removal to a Professional
It’s best to consult a professional if you’re dealing with earwax accumulation. Your regular doctor, an audiologist, or an otolaryngologist can easily and painlessly take it out at their office. Some individuals try home remedies like over-the-counter ear drops or ear irrigation kits. These can sometimes be effective, but it’s smart to check with your provider first– particularly if you’ve had ear surgery, you have a history of ear infections, or you use hearing aids.
Seek Guidance When Unsure
Earwax is usually a good thing, but if it’s bothering you, don’t disregard it. We’re dedicated to supporting you in maintaining ear health and maintaining sharp hearing.
Contact us to schedule an appointment if you’re worried about earwax buildup or any changes in your hearing.
Sources:
How To Remove Ear Wax: A Step-By-Step Guide– Audien Hearing
Impacted Earwax|Cedars-Sinai
