You most likely don’t give much thought to earwax buildup unless you’re in the process of clearing it out. Nonetheless, comprehending what causes earwax, how it develops, and its purpose is crucial.
What causes the buildup of earwax?
Earwax, technically called cerumen, is a dense blend 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.
In most circumstances, children tend to produce more earwax than adults. Moreover, adult earwax is usually darker and harder compared to that of children.
Earwax goes by the outer ear canal leisurely, ultimately reaching the ear opening, where it either self-expels or gets washed out when you bathe.
Why is earwax essential?
Earwax serves several critical functions, such as:
- Protecting and moisturizing the skin lining the ear canal, thus preventing dryness and itchiness.
- Helping prevent ear infections.
- Acting as a protective barrier against outside irritants such as dirt, dust, and other foreign particles before they infiltrate deeper into the ear.
Earwax blockages
Impacted earwax is a prevalent problem, but it’s usually the only time you need to worry about it. Impacted earwax can stem from narrow or unusually shaped ear canals hindering the natural movement of earwax toward the ear’s periphery.
Wax can be accidentally crammed up into the ear canal by utilizing poor cleaning methods like using cotton swabs.
People grappling with hearing loss who use earplugs or hearing aids are also predisposed to experiencing ear canal obstructions.
How is hearing impacted by excessive earwax?
The presence of earwax blockages may yield slight discomfort and impact auditory health.
Ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, might also happen.
Acoustic trauma might result in long-term hearing impairment, perforated eardrums, and long-term hearing loss if earwax obstructions go ignored.
How do you tackle impacted wax?
It’s crucial that you get in touch with us as soon as possible if you think your ears may be blocked by earwax. Depending on the severity of the obstruction, you may be advised to use over-the-counter wax softening drops or a bulb syringe for gentle irrigation to alleviate the condition.
If you’re concerned about your earwax buildup, call us right away to schedule an appointment.