You probably don’t give a lot of thought to earwax accumulation unless you’re in the process of clearing it out. However, understanding what causes earwax, how it develops, and its purpose is essential.
So why does earwax build-up?
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 individual to individual, adults usually produce less earwax than kids. Children also normally have softer earwax that’s lighter in color than adults.
Earwax gets discharged or washed out after passing the outer ear canal and reaching the opening of the ear.
Why do we need earwax?
Earwax serves several essential functions, such as:
- Helping prevent ear infections.
- Before things such as dust, dirt, or other outside debris go further up into the ear canal, earwax acts as a barrier.
- Safeguarding and moisturizing the skin lining the ear canal, thus preventing dryness and itchiness.
Obstructions caused by earwax
Impacted earwax is a prevalent problem, but it’s usually the only time you need to be concerned about it. Impacted earwax can stem from narrow or abnormally shaped ear canals hindering the normal movement of earwax toward the ear’s opening.
Wax can be accidentally crammed up into the ear canal by utilizing improper cleaning practices like using cotton swabs.
People grappling with hearing loss who make use of earplugs or hearing aids are also susceptible to experiencing ear canal obstructions.
How is hearing impacted by too much earwax?
The occurrence of earwax blockages might yield mild discomfort and dampen auditory health.
Ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, might also happen.
Acoustic trauma may lead to long-term hearing loss, perforated eardrums, and long-term hearing loss if earwax blockages go ignored.
How do you deal with impacted wax?
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 utilize over-the-counter products such as a bulb syringe or earwax softening drops to clear the wax out, depending on the extent of the blockage.
Contact us right away if you need some help with an earwax obstruction.