It’s likely that earwax and its buildup haven’t been subjects of significant contemplation for you, except perhaps during ear hygiene routines. Still, it’s essential to have an understanding of its purpose and how it forms.
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. Earwax will show up as a waxy substance that will typically be yellow, orange, brown, or even grey.
While the production amount of earwax varies from person to person, adults usually generate less earwax than kids. Furthermore, adult earwax is usually darker and harder compared to that of children.
Earwax passes the outer ear canal naturally, ultimately reaching the ear opening, where it either self-expels or gets washed away when you bathe.
Why do we need earwax?
Here are some crucial functions that earwax serves:
- Protecting and lubricating the skin lining the ear canal, thereby preventing dryness and itchiness.
- Helping counter ear infections.
- Before things like dust, dirt, or other external debris go further up into the ear canal, earwax acts as a barrier.
Obstructions caused by earwax
Usually, there’s no imperative need to clean out earwax from your ears unless it becomes impacted, a common problem linked to earwax. Impacted earwax can be the result of narrow or unusually shaped ear canals impeding the normal movement of earwax toward the ear’s periphery.
Wax can be unintentionally crammed up into the ear canal by utilizing improper cleaning methods like using cotton swabs.
Earwax obstructions are frequently experienced by people who frequently use earplugs, earbuds, or hearing aids.
How too much earwax can affect hearing
Auditory health may be hindered and you may feel slight discomfort.
Ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, may also occur.
Acoustic trauma may result in long-term hearing loss, perforated eardrums, and long-term hearing loss if earwax obstructions go ignored.
Addressing impacted earwax
It’s essential that you contact us as soon as possible if you think your ears may be blocked by earwax. Depending on the severity of the obstruction, you may be advised to utilize over-the-counter wax softening drops or a bulb syringe for gentle irrigation to relieve the condition.
Contact us right away if you need some assistance with an earwax blockage.