You most likely don’t give much thought to earwax accumulation unless you’re in the process of clearing it out. Nonetheless, understanding what causes earwax, how it develops, and its purpose is crucial.
What causes the accumulation of earwax?
Earwax, technically called 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 instances, kids tend to generate more earwax than adults. Kids also normally have softer earwax that’s lighter in color than adults.
Earwax gets expelled or washed out after going by the outer ear canal and reaching the opening of the ear.
Why do we need earwax?
Here are a few essential functions that earwax serves:
- Safeguarding and lubricating the skin lining the ear canal, thereby preventing dryness and itchiness.
- Helping prevent ear infections.
- Before things such as dust, dirt, or other outside debris get further up into the ear canal, earwax acts as a roadblock.
Obstructions caused by earwax
Impacted earwax is a prevalent issue, but it’s usually the only time you need to worry about it. Impacted earwax can stem from narrow or unusually shaped ear canals impeding the normal movement of earwax toward the ear’s opening.
Poor ear hygiene practices, such as using cotton swabs or bobby pins, can inadvertently push wax deeper into the ear canal.
Earwax obstructions are frequently experienced by people who frequently use earplugs, earbuds, or hearing aids.
How is hearing impacted by too much earwax?
The occurrence of earwax blockages may yield slight discomfort and impact auditory health.
In addition, substantial buildup of earwax can trigger tinnitus, a feeling of ringing in the ears.
Acoustic trauma may result in long-term hearing impairment, perforated eardrums, and long-term hearing loss if earwax blockages go neglected.
Addressing impacted earwax
Should you suspect an earwax blockage, consulting us immediately is essential. You may be advised to use over-the-counter products such as a bulb syringe or earwax softening drops to clean the wax out, depending on the extent of the obstruction.
Call us right away if you need some assistance with an earwax blockage.