While earwax might not be an exciting subject, it serves a critical function in maintaining the health of your ears. Compared to your teeth, feet, or other body parts that necessitate routine cleaning efforts, earwax normally manages itself. In fact, trying to remove it too often can do more harm than good. So, is earwax bad? The short answer is no, but it can occasionally become troublesome. Here’s what you should know.
What Exactly Is Cerumen?
Cerumen, also called earwax, is a natural material produced by glands located in your ear canal.
Earwax, a mixture of secretions and dead skin cells, is often misunderstood, yet it has a useful purpose. Its main function? Protecting your ears.
Earwax serves as a protective shield, capturing debris and microorganisms that could possibly harm the delicate surface of your eardrum. It also helps keep your ear canal moisturized and healthy, reducing dryness and inflammation. Without it, your ears would be more prone to infection and damage.
Is There a Need to Clean Your Ears?
In most cases, no special cleaning is needed. Your ears have a BUILT IN ability to remove dirt on their own. Routine everyday actions such as eating, speaking, bathing, and physical movement aid in the removal of earwax by gradually propelling it outward, where it can then be naturally shed or washed off.
For the majority of individuals, earwax removal is not a concern that typically calls for attention. However, with time, it can accumulate and become a concern for some people.
When Earwax Becomes an issue
Even though earwax generally benefits our bodies, it can occasionally lead to issues, especially when it becomes impacted by being blocked or pushed too deeply into the ear canal.
Here’s when earwax might become a problem:
- Using 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 okay to use these carefully around the outer ear, but avoid inserting them into the ear canal.
- Using earbuds, hearing aids, or earplugs can impede the ear’s natural process of clearing out earwax, causing it to collect and potentially lead to blockages.
- Producing too much wax: Some individuals naturally produce more earwax than others, which can raise the chance of impaction.
Signs of Impacted Earwax
If earwax builds up too much, you may experience:
- Experiencing difficulty hearing or a muted sound
- Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ear)
- Pain or pressure in the ear
- Dizziness or balance issues
- Ear smell or drainage
In some cases, impacted earwax can even lead to an infection. When you encounter these signs, it’s essential to seek help.
Safe Earwax Removal: Leave It to the Pros
Speaking with a medical professional is recommended if you are experiencing extreme earwax build-up. Your regular doctor, an audiologist, or an otolaryngologist can easily and painlessly take it out at their office. Some individuals try home remedies like over-the-counter ear drops or ear irrigation kits. These can sometimes be effective, but it’s smart to check with your doctor first– especially if you’ve had ear surgery, you have a background of ear infections, or you use hearing aids.
When in Doubt, Ask
Earwax is typically a good thing, but if it’s bothering you, don’t disregard it. We’re committed to assisting you in preserving ear health and maintaining sharp hearing.
If you’re experiencing abnormal hearing changes or suspect an earwax obstruction, reach out to us to arrange a consultation with one of our experts.
Sources:
How To Remove Ear Wax: A Step-By-Step Guide– Audien Hearing
Impacted Earwax|Cedars-Sinai
