Earwax might not be the most glamorous topic, but it plays an essential part in keeping your ears healthy. As opposed to other bodily areas, such as your teeth, feet, or skin, which require routine upkeep to remain clean, earwax is typically self-sufficient and doesn’t demand frequent attention. In fact, trying to remove it too often can do more harm than good. Here’s what you should know.
What Exactly Is Cerumen?
Cerumen, also called earwax, is a natural substance produced by glands located in your ear canal.
Earwax, a mix of secretions and dead skin cells, is frequently misunderstood, yet it has a useful purpose. Its main function? Protecting your ears.
Earwax serves as a protective shield, capturing debris and microorganisms that could potentially harm the fragile surface of your eardrum. It also assists in maintaining moisture and promoting health in your ear canal to avoid dryness and soreness. If it weren’t for this defensive mechanism, your ears would be more vulnerable to harm and illness.
Do You Need to Clean Your Ears?
In most situations, no specific cleaning is needed. Your ears are designed to clean themselves out. Regular daily actions like eating, speaking, bathing, and physical movement aid in the removal of earwax by slowly directing it outward, where it can then be naturally shed or washed off.
For the majority of individuals, earwax removal is not a problem that normally requires attention. But for some, it can accumulate and become a problem.
When Earwax Becomes an issue
While earwax is usually a friend to our bodies, there are times it can cause trouble, particularly if it becomes impacted (blocked or crammed too far into the ear canal).
Here’s when earwax may become a problem:
- Using cotton swabs: Many people use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this can actually press wax deeper into the canal, creating an obstruction. You can safely use these around the outer ear, but do not insert them into the ear canal.
- Using earbuds, hearing aids, or earplugs can impede the ear’s natural process of removing earwax, causing it to accumulate and potentially result in obstructions.
- Excessive earwax creation: A common problem for some people, resulting in a higher likelihood of earwax buildup and potential impaction.
Signs of Impacted Earwax
Excessive Earwax: Potential symptoms and consequences to be aware of:
- Experiencing difficulty hearing or a muffled sound
- Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ear)
- Earache or a feeling of fullness
- Issues with balance or feeling lightheaded
- Odor or discharge from the ear
In some cases, impacted earwax can even cause an infection. If you detect these symptoms, it’s time to get some help.
Safe Earwax Removal: Leave It to the Pros
It’s recommended to consult a professional if you’re coping with earwax buildup. Your primary care doctor, hearing specialist, or ENT (ear, nose, and throat) physician can safely and comfortably remove it in the office. Some individuals try home remedies like over-the-counter ear drops or ear irrigation kits. It’s a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider before trying these strategies, particularly if you have a history of ear issues, such as ear infections or previous ear surgery, or if you wear hearing aids.
Seek Guidance When Unsure
Earwax is usually helpful, but if it is causing discomfort, address the issue. We’re dedicated to supporting you in maintaining ear health and preserving sharp hearing.
Contact us to schedule an appointment if you’re concerned about earwax accumulation or any changes in your hearing.
Sources:
How To Remove Ear Wax: A Step-By-Step Guide– Audien Hearing
Impacted Earwax|Cedars-Sinai