Chances are, earwax and its accumulation haven’t been subjects of significant contemplation for you, except perhaps during ear hygiene sessions. However, understanding what causes earwax, how it forms, and its purpose is crucial.
So why does earwax accumulate?
Earwax, technically identified as cerumen, is a thick combination of debris, hair, skin particles, sweat, and ceruminous gland secretions. This earwax presents with a waxy consistency and can show shades of orange, yellow, gray, or brown.
In most circumstances, children tend to generate more earwax than adults. Children 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 is earwax crucial?
Earwax serves several critical functions, such as:
- Helping counter ear infections.
- Protecting and lubricating the skin lining the ear canal, thus preventing dryness and itchiness.
- Acting as a protective barrier against outside irritants such as dirt, dust, and other foreign particles before they penetrate deeper into the ear.
Blockages caused by earwax
Impacted earwax is a common issue, but it’s usually the only time you need to be concerned about it. Sometimes, earwax is unable to easily get to the opening of the ear as a result of narrow or unusually shaped ear canals.
Improper ear hygiene methods, like using cotton swabs or bobby pins, can inadvertently jam wax deeper into the ear canal.
Earwax blockages are frequently experienced by individuals who frequently use earplugs, earbuds, or hearing aids.
How is hearing impacted by excessive earwax?
The occurrence of earwax blockages might yield mild discomfort and dampen auditory health.
Ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, could also occur.
Acoustic trauma may result in long-term hearing loss, perforated eardrums, and long-term hearing loss if earwax obstructions go neglected.
Dealing with impacted earwax
It’s essential that you get in touch with us as soon as you can if you think your ears are blocked by earwax. Depending on the extent of the obstruction, you might be advised to use over-the-counter wax softening drops or a bulb syringe for delicate irrigation to alleviate the condition.
Call us right away if you need some help with an earwax obstruction.