Earwax might not be the most attractive topic, but it plays an important role in keeping your ears healthy. In contrast to other bodily areas, including your teeth, feet, or skin, which need routine upkeep to remain clean, earwax is typically self-sufficient and doesn’t require constant attention. 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 sometimes become problematic. Here’s what you should know.
What Exactly Is Cerumen?
Cerumen, also referred to as earwax, is a natural substance generated by glands located in your ear canal.
It’s a blend of secretions and dead skin cells, and in spite of its reputation, earwax is actually helpful. Its main job? Safeguarding your ears.
Earwax serves as a defensive shield, catching debris and microorganisms that could potentially 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.
Do You Need to Clean Your Ears?
Typically, normal maintenance is sufficient and no extra cleaning is required. Your ears are designed to clean themselves out. Daily activities– include chewing, talking, showering, and moving around– help drive old wax to the surface, where it naturally flakes or washes away.
Most children and adults never have to worry about removing earwax. But for some, it can build up and become a problem.
When Earwax Becomes an issue
While earwax is typically 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).
Here’s when earwax might become a problem:
- Cotton swabs are commonly utilized by people to clean their ears; however, this action might unintentionally push earwax further into the ear canal, causing blockages. You can safely utilize these around the outer ear, but do not put them into the ear canal.
- Using earbuds, hearing aids, or earplugs can hinder the ear’s natural process of removing earwax, causing it to accumulate and potentially lead to obstructions.
- Producing too much wax: Some individuals naturally produce more earwax than others, which can raise the possibility of impaction.
Indications of Impacted Earwax
If earwax accumulates too much, you may experience:
- Hearing loss or muffled hearing
- An ear condition characterized by ringing or buzzing sounds, known as tinnitus
- Earache or a feeling of fullness
- Vertigo or balance problems
- Odor or discharge from the ear
In some situations, impacted earwax can even cause an infection. When you experience these signs, it’s important to seek assistance.
Leave Earwax Removal to a Professional
It’s recommended to see a professional if you’re dealing with earwax buildup. Your regular physician, an audiologist, or an otolaryngologist can easily and painlessly take it out at their clinic. Some people 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 history of ear infections, or you use hearing aids.
When in Doubt, Ask
Earwax is usually a good thing, but if it’s bothering you, don’t disregard it. We’re committed to assisting you in maintaining ear health and preserving 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