Chances are, earwax and its accumulation haven’t been subjects of extensive contemplation for you, except maybe during ear hygiene routines. 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 combination of sweat, skin particles, hair, debris, and ceruminous gland secretions. Earwax will appear as a waxy substance that will normally be yellow, orange, brown, or even grey.
In most situations, kids tend to produce more earwax than adults. Children also normally have softer earwax that’s lighter in color than adults.
Earwax gets discharged 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 critical functions, such as:
- Before things such as dust, dirt, or other outside debris go further up into the ear canal, earwax acts as a barrier.
- Protecting and lubricating the skin lining the ear canal, thus preventing dryness and itchiness.
- Helping prevent ear infections.
Obstructions caused by earwax
Usually, there’s no critical need to clean out earwax from your ears unless it becomes impacted, a prevalent problem linked to earwax. In some cases, earwax is unable to easily get to the opening of the ear as a result of narrow or unusually shaped ear canals.
Wax can be unintentionally pushed up into the ear canal by utilizing poor cleaning practices like using cotton swabs.
Earwax blockages are often experienced by individuals who often use earplugs, earbuds, or hearing aids.
How is hearing affected by too much earwax?
Auditory health might be impeded and you may feel mild discomfort.
Ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, may also occur.
Untreated earwax obstructions may intensify into middle ear infections, perforated eardrums, or enduring hearing loss as a result of acoustic trauma.
Addressing impacted earwax
It’s essential that you contact us as soon as possible if you think your ears may be blocked by earwax. Depending on the severity of the obstruction, you might be advised to use over-the-counter wax softening drops or a bulb syringe for delicate irrigation to alleviate the condition.
Contact us right away if you need some help with an earwax blockage.