It’s likely that earwax and its buildup haven’t been subjects of significant contemplation for you, except maybe during ear hygiene routines. However, understanding what causes earwax, how it forms, and its purpose is essential.
What causes the accumulation of earwax?
Earwax, scientifically known as cerumen, is a dense combination of debris, hair, skin particles, sweat, and ceruminous gland secretions. Earwax will show up as a waxy substance that will usually be yellow, orange, brown, or even grey.
While the production amount of earwax differs from person to person, adults typically generate less earwax than children. Kids also usually have softer earwax that’s lighter in color than adults.
Earwax gets expelled or washed out after going by the outer ear canal and reaching the opening of the ear.
Why do we need earwax?
Here are some crucial functions that earwax serves:
- Before things such as dust, dirt, or other external debris get further up into the ear canal, earwax acts as a roadblock.
- Helping counter ear infections.
- Safeguarding and lubricating the skin lining the ear canal, thus preventing dryness and itchiness.
Obstructions caused by earwax
Impacted earwax is a prevalent problem, but it’s typically the only time you need to worry about it. Sometimes, earwax is unable to easily get to the opening of the ear due to narrow or unusually shaped ear canals.
Poor ear hygiene practices, like using cotton swabs or bobby pins, can unintentionally force wax deeper into the ear canal.
People wrestling with hearing loss who use earplugs or hearing aids are also predisposed to experiencing ear canal blockages.
How excessive earwax can impact hearing
The occurrence of earwax blockages may yield mild discomfort and dampen auditory health.
Also, substantial buildup of earwax can trigger tinnitus, a sensation of ringing in the ears.
Neglected earwax obstructions might intensify into middle ear infections, perforated eardrums, or lasting hearing impairment due to acoustic trauma.
Dealing with impacted earwax
It’s essential that you get in touch with us as soon as you can if you think your ears are blocked by earwax. You might be advised to use over-the-counter products like a bulb syringe or earwax softening drops to clean the wax out, depending on the extent of the obstruction.
Give us a call right away if you need some help with an earwax obstruction.
