While earwax may not be an exciting subject, it serves a critical function in maintaining the health of your ears. In contrast to other bodily areas, such as your teeth, feet, or skin, which need regular maintenance to stay clean, earwax is generally self-sufficient and doesn’t require constant attention. In fact, trying to remove it too often can do more harm than good. These are the key things to be mindful of.
What Exactly Is Cerumen?
Cerumen, also called earwax, is a natural material generated by glands located in your ear canal.
Earwax, a mixture of secretions and dead skin cells, is often misunderstood, yet it serves a practical purpose. Its main role is to safeguard your ears.
Earwax acts like a barrier, capturing dust, dirt, and bacteria before they can reach your eardrum. It also assists in preserving moisture and promoting health in your ear canal to avoid dryness and discomfort. If it weren’t for this protective system, your ears would be more vulnerable to harm and illness.
Is There a Need to Clean Your Ears?
Typically, regular maintenance is sufficient and no extra cleaning is needed. Your ears are designed to clean themselves out. Regular daily actions like eating, speaking, bathing, and physical movement help in the removal of earwax by slowly directing it outward, where it can then be naturally shed or washed off.
For the majority of individuals, earwax removal is not a concern that typically calls for attention. However, over time, it can build up and turn into a concern for some individuals.
The Hidden Dangers of Excessive Earwax Accumulation
While earwax is typically a friend to our bodies, there are times it can become problematic, particularly if it becomes impacted (blocked or crammed too far into the ear canal).
Here’s when earwax may develop into a problem:
- Using cotton swabs: Many individuals use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this can actually push wax deeper into the canal, creating a blockage. It’s okay to use these gently around the outer ear, but steer clear of inserting them into the ear canal.
- Using earbuds, hearing aids, or earplugs can impede the ear’s natural process of clearing out earwax, causing it to accumulate and potentially lead to blockages.
- Producing too much wax: Some individuals naturally generate more earwax than others, which can increase the chance of impaction.
Indications of Impacted Earwax
If earwax builds up too much, you might experience:
- Experiencing trouble hearing or a muffled sound
- Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ear)
- Pain or pressure in the ear
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Odor or discharge from the ear
In some cases, impacted earwax can even cause an infection. When you experience these symptoms, it’s essential to seek help.
Leave Earwax Elimination to a Professional
Consulting a medical expert is advised if you are experiencing excessive earwax accumulation. Your regular physician, an audiologist, or an otolaryngologist can easily and painlessly take it out at their office. Some people experiment with home remedies including non-prescription ear drops or ear irrigation kits. It’s a good idea to talk with your healthcare provider before trying these strategies, 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 helpful, but if it is causing discomfort, address the issue. We’re dedicated to supporting you in preserving ear health and preserving sharp hearing.
Contact us to schedule an appointment if you’re worried about earwax accumulation or any changes in your hearing.
Sources:
How To Remove Ear Wax: A Step-By-Step Guide– Audien Hearing
Impacted Earwax|Cedars-Sinai