Earwax may not be the most attractive topic, but it plays an essential part in keeping your ears healthy. As opposed to other bodily areas, including your teeth, feet, or skin, which need regular maintenance to remain 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. Here’s what you should know.

What Exactly Is Cerumen?

Earwax, medically known as cerumen, is a natural compound made by glands inside of your ear canal.
Earwax, a mixture of secretions and dead skin cells, is often misunderstood, yet it serves a practical purpose. Its main function? Safeguarding your ears.

Earwax acts like a barrier, trapping dust, dirt, and bacteria before they can reach your eardrum. It also helps keep your ear canal moisturized and healthy, preventing dryness and irritation. If it weren’t for this protective mechanism, your ears would be more vulnerable to harm and illness.

Is There a Need to Clean Your Ears?

In most situations, no specific cleaning is needed. Your ears are designed to clean themselves out. Routine everyday actions such as eating, speaking, bathing, and physical movement help in the elimination of earwax by gradually propelling it outward, where it can then be naturally shed or washed off.

Most kids and adults never have to b e concerned about removing earwax. But for some, it can accumulate and become an issue.

The Hidden Dangers of Excessive Earwax Buildup

While earwax is usually a friend to our bodies, there are times it can cause trouble, particularly if it becomes impacted (blocked or pushed too far into the ear canal).

When earwax becomes a concern: indications of a possible issue

• Utilizing cotton swabs: Many people use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this can actually push wax deeper into the canal, causing a blockage. It’s fine to use these gently around the outer ear, but avoid inserting them into the ear canal.
• Using earbuds, hearing aids, or earplugs: These devices can stop earwax from naturally finding its way out of the ear, leading to buildup.
• Making too much wax: Some people naturally produce more earwax than others, which can raise the possibility of impaction.

Signs of Impacted Earwax

If earwax accumulates too much, you may experience:

• Hearing loss or muted hearing
• 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 situations, impacted earwax can even lead to an infection. When you encounter these signs, it’s important to seek help.

Safe Earwax Elimination: Leave It to the Pros

Speaking with a medical expert is recommended if you are experiencing extreme earwax accumulation. Your regular physician, an audiologist, or an otolaryngologist can easily and painlessly take it out at their office. Some people try home remedies like over-the-counter ear drops or ear irrigation kits. It’s a good idea to talk with your healthcare provider before trying these methods, particularly if you have a history of ear issues, including ear infections or previous ear surgery, or if you use hearing aids.

When in Doubt, Ask

Earwax is typically a good thing, but if it’s troubling you, don’t disregard it. 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