You most likely don’t give a lot of thought to earwax accumulation unless you’re in the process of cleaning it out. Still, it’s crucial to have an understanding of its purpose and how it develops.
So why does earwax accumulate?
Earwax, scientifically identified as cerumen, is a thick combination of debris, hair, skin particles, sweat, and ceruminous gland secretions. This earwax presents with a waxy consistency and can show shades of orange, yellow, gray, or brown.
While the production amount of earwax varies from person to person, adults typically generate less earwax than kids. Children also typically have softer earwax that’s lighter in color than adults.
Earwax gets discharged or washed out after passing the outer ear canal and reaching the opening of the ear.
Why is earwax essential?
Earwax serves several crucial functions, such as:
- Stopping itchiness and dryness by moisturizing and protecting the lining of the ear canal.
- Helping counter ear infections.
- Before things such as dust, dirt, or other external debris get further up into the ear canal, earwax acts as a roadblock.
Earwax obstructions
Typically, there’s no imperative need to clean out earwax from your ears unless it becomes impacted, a prevalent issue associated with earwax. Sometimes, 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 improper cleaning practices like using cotton swabs.
Earwax obstructions are frequently experienced by people 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 slight discomfort.
Also, considerable accumulations of earwax can trigger tinnitus, a sensation of ringing in the ears.
Acoustic trauma may result in long-term hearing loss, perforated eardrums, and long-term hearing loss if earwax obstructions go neglected.
How do you tackle impacted wax?
It’s essential that you contact us as soon as possible if you think your ears may be blocked by earwax. You might be advised to use over-the-counter products such as a bulb syringe or earwax softening drops to clear the wax out, depending on the severity of the obstruction.
Give us a call right away if you need some assistance with an earwax obstruction.