You probably don’t give a lot of thought to earwax buildup unless you’re in the process of cleaning it out. Nonetheless, comprehending what causes earwax, how it forms, and its purpose is crucial.
So why does earwax build-up?
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 typically be yellow, orange, brown, or even grey.
While the production amount of earwax differs from person to person, adults usually produce less earwax than kids. Kids also usually have softer earwax that’s lighter in color than adults.
Earwax gets expelled or washed out after passing the outer ear canal and reaching the opening of the ear.
Why is earwax important?
Earwax serves several critical functions, such as:
- Before things such as dust, dirt, or other external debris go further up into the ear canal, earwax acts as a barrier.
- Fending off possible infections that may occur within the ear canal.
- Safeguarding and lubricating the skin lining the ear canal, thus preventing dryness and itchiness.
Blockages caused by earwax
Typically, there’s no imperative need to clean out earwax from your ears unless it becomes impacted, a common problem linked to earwax. Sometimes, earwax is unable to easily get to the opening of the ear due to narrow or unusually shaped ear canals.
Improper ear hygiene practices, like using cotton swabs or bobby pins, can inadvertently jam wax deeper into the ear canal.
Earwax obstructions are often experienced by people who frequently use earplugs, earbuds, or hearing aids.
How is hearing affected by excessive earwax?
The occurrence of earwax blockages might yield mild discomfort and impact auditory health.
In addition, substantial accumulations of earwax can trigger tinnitus, a sensation of ringing in the ears.
Acoustic trauma may lead to long-term hearing impairment, perforated eardrums, and long-term hearing loss if earwax obstructions go neglected.
Addressing impacted earwax
If you think you have an earwax blockage, consulting us immediately is essential. Depending on the severity of the blockage, you might be advised to utilize over-the-counter wax softening drops or a bulb syringe for delicate irrigation to relieve the condition.
Call us right away if you need some help with an earwax obstruction.