It’s likely that earwax and its accumulation haven’t been subjects of extensive consideration for you, except maybe during ear hygiene routines. Nonetheless, comprehending what causes earwax, how it forms, and its purpose is essential.
What initiates the buildup of earwax?
Earwax, scientifically identified as cerumen, is a dense combination of debris, hair, skin particles, sweat, and ceruminous gland secretions. This earwax presents with a waxy texture and can show shades of orange, yellow, gray, or brown.
In most situations, children tend to generate more earwax than adults. Furthermore, adult earwax tends to be darker and denser compared to that of kids.
Earwax goes by the outer ear canal naturally, ultimately reaching the ear opening, where it either self-expels or gets washed away when you bathe.
Why is earwax essential?
Earwax serves several crucial functions, such as:
- Before things such as dust, dirt, or other outside debris get further up into the ear canal, earwax acts as a roadblock.
- Protecting and lubricating the skin lining the ear canal, thus preventing dryness and itchiness.
- Helping prevent ear infections.
Obstructions caused by earwax
Typically, there’s no crucial need to remove earwax from your ears unless it becomes impacted, a common issue associated with earwax. Impacted earwax can stem from narrow or abnormally shaped ear canals hindering the natural movement of earwax toward the ear’s opening.
Wax can be unintentionally crammed up into the ear canal by utilizing improper cleaning methods like using cotton swabs.
Earwax blockages are frequently experienced by people who frequently use earplugs, earbuds, or hearing aids.
How is hearing affected by excessive earwax?
Auditory health may be impeded and you may feel minor discomfort.
Ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, may also occur.
Untreated earwax blockages may escalate into middle ear infections, perforated eardrums, or enduring hearing loss due to acoustic trauma.
How do you deal with impacted wax?
Should you suspect an earwax blockage, consulting us immediately is imperative. You may be advised to utilize over-the-counter products like a bulb syringe or earwax softening drops to clean the wax out, depending on the extent of the obstruction.
If you’re worried about your earwax buildup, call us today to schedule an appointment.
