You probably don’t give a lot of thought to earwax accumulation unless you’re in the process of cleaning it out. However, comprehending what causes earwax, how it develops, and its purpose is crucial.
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 differs from person to person, adults typically produce less earwax than children. Kids also normally have softer earwax that’s lighter in color than adults.
Earwax gets expelled or washed out after going by the outer ear canal and reaching the opening of the ear.
Why do we need earwax?
Earwax serves several essential functions, such as:
- Protecting and lubricating the skin lining the ear canal, thus preventing dryness and itchiness.
- Fending off possible infections that may develop within 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.
Blockages caused by earwax
Typically, there’s no crucial need to clean out earwax from your ears unless it becomes impacted, a common issue linked to earwax. Impacted earwax can be the result of narrow or abnormally shaped ear canals hindering the natural movement of earwax toward the ear’s periphery.
Improper ear hygiene methods, such as using cotton swabs or bobby pins, can unintentionally force wax deeper into the ear canal.
Earwax obstructions are frequently experienced by individuals who often use earplugs, earbuds, or hearing aids.
How excessive earwax can impact hearing
The occurrence of earwax blockages may yield slight discomfort and impact auditory health.
Ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, could also occur.
Untreated earwax blockages might intensify into middle ear infections, perforated eardrums, or lasting hearing loss due to acoustic trauma.
How do you tackle impacted wax?
Should you think you have an earwax blockage, consulting us quickly is imperative. You may be advised to utilize over-the-counter products like a bulb syringe or earwax softening drops to clean the wax out, depending on the extent of the obstruction.
Give us a call right away if you need some help with an earwax blockage.