You probably don’t give a lot of thought to earwax accumulation unless you’re in the process of clearing it out. Still, it’s crucial to have an understanding of its purpose and how it forms.
What initiates the accumulation of earwax?
Earwax, also scientifically called cerumen, is composed of a mix of sweat, skin particles, hair, debris, and ceruminous gland secretions. Earwax will show up as a waxy substance that will typically be yellow, orange, brown, or even grey.
While the production amount of earwax differs from person to person, adults typically generate less earwax than children. Kids also typically have softer earwax that’s lighter in color than adults.
Earwax gets discharged or washed out after passing the outer ear canal and reaching the opening of the ear.
Why is earwax important?
Earwax serves several essential functions, such as:
- Stopping itchiness and dryness by moisturizing and protecting the lining of the ear canal.
- Acting as a protective barricade against outside irritants like dirt, dust, and other foreign particles before they infiltrate deeper into the ear.
- Helping counter ear infections.
Earwax obstructions
Impacted earwax is a prevalent 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 hindering the normal movement of earwax toward the ear’s opening.
Improper ear hygiene methods, such as using cotton swabs or bobby pins, can inadvertently jam wax deeper into the ear canal.
Earwax obstructions are frequently experienced by people who frequently use earplugs, earbuds, or hearing aids.
How is hearing affected by too much earwax?
Auditory health might be impeded and you may feel minor discomfort.
Ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, may also occur.
Acoustic trauma might result in long-term hearing impairment, perforated eardrums, and long-term hearing loss if earwax obstructions go neglected.
How do you tackle impacted wax?
It’s crucial that you get in touch with us as soon as possible if you think your ears are blocked by earwax. You may be advised to utilize over-the-counter products like a bulb syringe or earwax softening drops to clear the wax out, depending on the severity of the obstruction.
Give us a call right away if you need some help with an earwax obstruction.
