While earwax might not be a thrilling subject, it serves a crucial function in maintaining the health of your ears. In contrast to other bodily areas, such as your teeth, feet, or skin, which need regular maintenance to remain clean, earwax is generally self-sufficient and doesn’t require frequent attention. Overly frequent efforts to get rid of it can actually be counterproductive. So, is earwax bad? The short answer is no, but it can occasionally become problematic. These are the key things to be mindful of.

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 serves a useful purpose. Its primary function? Safeguarding your ears.

Earwax works as a defensive shield, capturing debris and microorganisms that could possibly harm the fragile surface of your eardrum. It also helps keep your ear canal moisturized and healthy, reducing dryness and inflammation. If it weren’t for this protective system, your ears would be more susceptible to harm and illness.

Is There a Need to Clean Your Ears?

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

Most kids and adults never need to worry about removing earwax. But for saome people, it can accumulate and become an issue.

The Hidden Dangers of Excessive Earwax Accumulation

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).

Here’s when earwax may develop into a problem:

• Utilizing cotton swabs: Many people use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this can actually press wax deeper into the canal, causing an obstruction. 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 hinder the ear’s natural process of removing earwax, causing it to accumulate and potentially lead to blockages.
• Producing too much wax: Some individuals normally produce more earwax than others, which can raise the possibility of impaction.

Symptoms of Earwax Accumulation: What to Watch For

If earwax builds up too much, you may experience:

• Experiencing trouble hearing or a muffled sound
• An ear condition distinguished by ringing or buzzing sounds, called tinnitus
• Discomfort or pressure in the ear
• Issues with balance or feeling lightheaded
• Odor or excretion from the ear

In some cases, impacted earwax can even cause an infection. When you encounter these signs, it’s essential to seek assistance.

Leave Earwax Removal to a Professional

It’s recommended to see a professional if you’re coping 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. It’s a good idea to talk with your healthcare provider before trying these strategies, particularly if you have a history of ear problems, such as ear infections or previous ear surgery, or if you wear hearing aids.

Seek Guidance When Unsure

Earwax is usually a good thing, but if it’s bothering you, don’t disregard it. We’re committed to supporting you in preserving ear health and maintaining sharp hearing.

Contact us to set up an appointment if you’re worried about earwax buildup or any changes in your hearing.

Sources:
How To Remove Ear Wax: A Step-By-Step Guide– Audien Hearing
Impacted Earwax|Cedars-Sinai