You probably don’t give a lot of thought to earwax buildup unless you’re in the process of clearing it out. However, understanding what causes earwax, how it develops, and its purpose is crucial.
What initiates the buildup of earwax?
Earwax, scientifically identified as cerumen, is a thick blend 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 instances, children tend to generate more earwax than adults. Kids also typically have softer earwax that’s lighter in color than adults.
Earwax goes by the outer ear canal naturally, ultimately reaching the ear opening, where it either self-expels or gets washed out when you bathe.
Why do we need earwax?
Here are some crucial functions that earwax serves:
- Acting as a protective barrier against outside irritants including dirt, dust, and other foreign particles before they infiltrate deeper into the ear.
- Fending off possible infections that might develop within the ear canal.
- Safeguarding and moisturizing the skin lining the ear canal, thus preventing dryness and itchiness.
Blockages caused by earwax
Impacted earwax is a common issue, but it’s typically the only time you need to worry about it. Impacted earwax can be the result of narrow or abnormally shaped ear canals impeding the natural movement of earwax toward the ear’s periphery.
Wax can be unintentionally pushed up into the ear canal by utilizing poor cleaning practices like using cotton swabs.
Earwax obstructions are frequently experienced by people who often use earplugs, earbuds, or hearing aids.
How excessive earwax can impact hearing
Auditory health might be impeded and you might feel slight discomfort.
Ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, may also happen.
Neglected earwax obstructions might intensify into middle ear infections, perforated eardrums, or lasting hearing impairment as a result of acoustic trauma.
How do you tackle impacted wax?
It’s essential that you get in touch with us as soon as possible if you think your ears are blocked by earwax. Depending on the severity of the obstruction, you might be advised to make use of over-the-counter wax softening drops or a bulb syringe for delicate irrigation to alleviate the condition.
Contact us right away if you need some assistance with an earwax blockage.