You most likely don’t give a lot of thought to earwax accumulation unless you’re in the process of cleaning it out. Still, it’s essential to have an understanding of its purpose and how it develops.
What initiates the accumulation of earwax?
Earwax, also scientifically called cerumen, is composed of a mix of sweat, skin particles, hair, debris, and ceruminous gland secretions. This earwax presents with a waxy consistency and can exhibit shades of orange, yellow, gray, or brown.
While the production amount of earwax varies from individual to individual, adults typically produce less earwax than kids. Furthermore, adult earwax is usually darker and harder compared to that of children.
Earwax gets discharged or washed out after going by the outer ear canal and reaching the opening of the ear.
Why is earwax essential?
Earwax serves several essential functions, such as:
- Acting as a protective barricade against external irritants such as dirt, dust, and other foreign particles before they infiltrate deeper into the ear.
- Helping counter ear infections.
- Protecting and moisturizing the skin lining the ear canal, thereby preventing dryness and itchiness.
Earwax obstructions
Usually, there’s no imperative need to remove earwax from your ears unless it becomes impacted, a prevalent issue linked to earwax. Sometimes, earwax is unable to easily get to the opening of the ear due to narrow or abnormally shaped ear canals.
Improper ear hygiene methods, like using cotton swabs or bobby pins, can unintentionally force wax deeper into the ear canal.
People wrestling with hearing loss who use earplugs or hearing aids are also predisposed to experiencing ear canal obstructions.
How excessive earwax can affect hearing
Auditory health may be impeded and you may feel slight discomfort.
Ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, might also happen.
Neglected earwax obstructions might intensify into middle ear infections, perforated eardrums, or enduring hearing impairment due to acoustic trauma.
How do you deal with impacted wax?
If you think you have an earwax blockage, consulting us immediately is imperative. You may be advised to utilize over-the-counter products such as a bulb syringe or earwax softening drops to clean the wax out, depending on the extent of the obstruction.
If you’re worried about your earwax buildup, call us today to schedule an appointment.