It’s likely that earwax and its buildup haven’t been subjects of significant consideration for you, except maybe during ear hygiene sessions. Still, it’s crucial to have an understanding of its purpose and how it forms.
What triggers the buildup of earwax?
Earwax, also technically called cerumen, is made up of a mix of sweat, skin particles, hair, debris, and ceruminous gland secretions. Earwax will show up as a waxy substance that will normally be yellow, orange, brown, or even grey.
While the production amount of earwax differs from individual to individual, adults usually produce less earwax than children. Kids also usually have softer earwax that’s lighter in color than adults.
Earwax passes the outer ear canal naturally, ultimately reaching the ear opening, where it either self-expels or gets washed out when you bathe.
Why is earwax crucial?
Here are a few crucial functions that earwax serves:
- Stopping itchiness and dryness by moisturizing and protecting the lining of the ear canal.
- Fending off potential infections that may develop within the ear canal.
- Before things such as dust, dirt, or other outside debris get further up into the ear canal, earwax acts as a roadblock.
Earwax obstructions
Impacted earwax is a common issue, but it’s usually the only time you need to worry about it. Sometimes, earwax is unable to easily get to the opening of the ear as a result of narrow or unusually shaped ear canals.
Poor ear hygiene methods, such as using cotton swabs or bobby pins, can unintentionally push wax deeper into the ear canal.
People wrestling with hearing loss who make use of earplugs or hearing aids are also predisposed to experiencing ear canal obstructions.
How is hearing affected by too much earwax?
The presence of earwax blockages might yield slight discomfort and dampen auditory health.
In addition, substantial buildup of earwax can induce tinnitus, a sensation of ringing in the ears.
Acoustic trauma may result in long-term hearing impairment, perforated eardrums, and long-term hearing loss if earwax blockages go ignored.
How do you tackle impacted wax?
It’s crucial that you contact us as soon as you can if you think your ears are blocked by earwax. You may 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 severity of the obstruction.
Call us right away if you need some help with an earwax obstruction.