You most likely don’t give a lot of thought to earwax accumulation unless you’re in the process of clearing it out. Nonetheless, comprehending what causes earwax, how it develops, and its purpose is essential.
So why does earwax build-up?
Earwax, also technically called cerumen, is composed of a combination of sweat, skin particles, hair, debris, and ceruminous gland secretions. This earwax presents with a waxy texture and can show shades of orange, yellow, gray, or brown.
In most circumstances, children tend to produce more earwax than adults. Kids also normally have softer earwax that’s lighter in color than adults.
Earwax gets discharged or washed out after going by the outer ear canal and reaching the opening of the ear.
Why is earwax crucial?
Earwax serves several crucial functions, such as:
- Helping counter ear infections.
- Before things such as dust, dirt, or other external debris go further up into the ear canal, earwax acts as a barrier.
- Stopping itchiness and dryness by lubricating and protecting the lining of the ear canal.
Blockages caused by earwax
Typically, there’s no crucial need to remove earwax from your ears unless it becomes impacted, a common problem linked to earwax. In some cases, earwax is unable to easily get to the opening of the ear as a result of narrow or abnormally shaped ear canals.
Wax can be unintentionally pushed up into the ear canal by utilizing poor cleaning methods like using cotton swabs.
Individuals wrestling with hearing loss who make use of earplugs or hearing aids are also susceptible to experiencing ear canal blockages.
How is hearing affected by too much earwax?
Auditory health might be hindered and you might feel minor discomfort.
Also, considerable accumulations of earwax can trigger tinnitus, a sensation of ringing in the ears.
Untreated earwax blockages might escalate into middle ear infections, perforated eardrums, or lasting hearing impairment as a result of acoustic trauma.
Addressing impacted earwax
Should you suspect an earwax blockage, consulting us promptly is essential. Depending on the extent of the obstruction, you might be advised to utilize over-the-counter wax softening drops or a bulb syringe for gentle irrigation to relieve the condition.
If you’re worried about your earwax buildup, call us today to schedule an appointment.
