The Lowdown on Earwax: What it Does and When it Needs to Go

While earwax may not be a thrilling subject, it serves a crucial purpose 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 stay clean, earwax is typically self-sufficient and doesn’t require constant attention. Overly frequent efforts to eliminate it can actually be counterproductive. Here’s what you should know.

What Is Earwax?

Cerumen, also referred to as earwax, is a natural substance generated by glands located in your ear canal.
Earwax, a mixture of secretions and dead skin cells, is frequently misunderstood, yet it has a useful purpose. Its primary function? Protecting your ears.

Earwax serves as a protective shield, capturing debris and microorganisms that could possibly harm the fragile surface of your eardrum. It also helps in preserving moisture and promoting health in your ear canal to avoid dryness and discomfort. If it weren’t for this protective mechanism, your ears would be more susceptible to harm and illness.

Is There a Need to Clean Your Ears?

Generally, regular maintenance is sufficient and no additional cleaning is needed. Your ears have a natural ability to remove dirt on their own. Everyday activities– like chewing, talking, showering, and moving around– help drive old wax to the surface, where it naturally flakes or washes away.

Most kids and adults never need to worry about eliminating earwax. However, over time, it can build up and become a problem for certain individuals.

When Earwax Becomes a Problem

Although earwax generally benefits our bodies, it can sometimes lead to issues, especially when it becomes impacted by being blocked or pushed too far up into the ear canal.

Here’s when earwax might become a problem:

Cotton swabs are commonly used by individuals to clean their ears; however, this action may unintentionally push earwax further into the ear canal, causing blockages. You can safely utilize these around the outer ear, but do not insert 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.
Making too much wax: Some people naturally produce more earwax than others, which can raise the possibility of impaction.

Signs of Impacted Earwax

If earwax builds up too much, you may experience:

Hearing loss or muffled hearing
An ear condition distinguished by ringing or buzzing sounds, known as tinnitus
Earache or a feeling of fullness
Issues with balance or feeling lightheaded
Odor or excretion from the ear

In some situations, impacted earwax can even cause an infection. If you detect these symptoms, it’s time to get some assistance.

Safe Earwax Elimination: Leave It to the Pros

It’s recommended to see a professional if you’re dealing with earwax accumulation. Your primary care provider, hearing specialist, or ENT (ear, nose, and throat) physician can safely and comfortably remove it in the office. Some individuals explore home remedies including non-prescription ear drops or ear irrigation kits. It’s a good plan to consult with your healthcare provider before attempting these methods, particularly if you have a history of ear problems, including ear infections or previous ear surgery, or if you wear hearing aids.

When in Doubt, Ask

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

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