Earwax might not be the most attractive topic, but it plays an important role in keeping your ears healthy. As opposed to other bodily areas, such as your teeth, feet, or skin, which need routine upkeep to remain clean, earwax is generally self-sufficient and doesn’t require constant attention. Overly frequent efforts to get rid of it can actually be counterproductive. Earwax is not intrinsically harmful, but it may cause problems at times. Here’s what you should know.

What Exactly Is Cerumen?

Earwax, medically known as cerumen, is a natural compound made by glands inside your ear canal.
Earwax, a mix of secretions and dead skin cells, is often misunderstood, yet it has a practical purpose. Its primary job? Safeguarding your ears.

Earwax acts like a barrier, capturing dust, dirt, and bacteria before they can reach your eardrum. It also helps keep your ear canal moisturized and healthy, preventing dryness and irritation. Without it, your ears would be more prone to infection and damage.

Do You Need to Clean Your Ears?

In most cases, no special cleaning is needed. Your ears have a natural ability to get rid of dirt on their own. Regular daily actions like eating, speaking, bathing, and physical movement help in the elimination of earwax by slowly propelling it outward, where it can then be naturally shed or washed off.

Most kids and adults never have to worry about eliminating earwax. But for saome people, it can accumulate and become a problem.

When Earwax Becomes a Problem

Although earwax generally benefits our bodies, it can occasionally result in issues, especially when it becomes impacted by being blocked or pushed too deeply into the ear canal.

Here’s when earwax might develop into an issue:

• Using cotton swabs: Many people use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this can actually push wax deeper into the canal, causing an obstruction. You can safely utilize these around the outer ear, but do not put them into the ear canal.
• Using earbuds, hearing aids, or earplugs can hinder the ear’s natural process of clearing out earwax, causing it to accumulate and potentially lead to blockages.
• Making too much wax: Some people normally generate more earwax than others, which can raise the possibility of impaction.

Indications of Impacted Earwax

If earwax accumulates too much, you may experience:

• Experiencing difficulty hearing or a muffled sound
• Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ear)
• Earache or a feeling of fullness
• Problems with balance or feeling lightheaded
• Ear smell or drainage

Impacted earwax might cause an infection in certain instances. If you detect these symptoms, it’s time to get some help.

Safe Earwax Elimination: Leave It to the Pros

Consulting a medical expert is advised if you are experiencing extreme earwax build-up. Your primary care doctor, hearing specialist, or ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor can safely and comfortably eliminate it in the office. Some people experiment with home remedies such as non-prescription ear drops or ear irrigation kits. It’s a good plan to talk with your healthcare provider before trying these methods, especially if you have a history of ear issues, including ear infections or previous ear surgery, or if you use hearing aids.

Seek Guidance When Unsure

Earwax is typically a good thing, but if it’s bothering you, don’t disregard it. Our team is here to help you keep your ears healthy and your hearing clear.

Contact us to schedule an appointment if you’re worried about earwax buildup or any changes in your hearing.

Sources:
How To Remove Ear Wax: A Step-By-Step Guide– Audien Hearing
Impacted Earwax|Cedars-Sinai