It’s likely that earwax and its accumulation haven’t been subjects of extensive consideration for you, except perhaps during ear hygiene sessions. Still, it’s essential to have an understanding of its purpose and how it forms.
What triggers the buildup of earwax?
Earwax, scientifically called cerumen, is a dense combination of debris, hair, skin particles, sweat, and ceruminous gland secretions. This earwax presents with a waxy texture and can exhibit shades of orange, yellow, gray, or brown.
While the production amount of earwax differs from person to person, adults usually produce less earwax than kids. Moreover, adult earwax tends to be darker and denser compared to that of children.
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 crucial functions, such as:
- Helping prevent ear infections.
- Preventing itchiness and dryness by moisturizing and safeguarding the lining of the ear canal.
- Acting as a protective barrier against external irritants including dirt, dust, and other foreign particles before they infiltrate deeper into the ear.
Earwax blockages
Impacted earwax is a prevalent problem, but it’s typically the only time you need to be concerned about it. Impacted earwax can be the result of narrow or abnormally shaped ear canals impeding the normal movement of earwax toward the ear’s opening.
Wax can be unintentionally pushed up into the ear canal by utilizing improper cleaning practices like using cotton swabs.
People wrestling with hearing loss who utilize earplugs or hearing aids are also susceptible to experiencing ear canal blockages.
How too much earwax can impact hearing
Auditory health might be hindered and you might feel minor discomfort.
Additionally, considerable accumulations of earwax can induce tinnitus, a feeling of ringing in the ears.
Acoustic trauma may result in long-term hearing loss, perforated eardrums, and long-term hearing loss if earwax obstructions go ignored.
How do you tackle impacted wax?
It’s essential that you get in touch with us as soon as you can if you think your ears may be blocked by earwax. Depending on the extent of the obstruction, you may be advised to utilize over-the-counter wax softening drops or a bulb syringe for delicate irrigation to alleviate the condition.
If you’re concerned about your earwax buildup, call us right away to schedule an appointment.