Why Do We Have Ear Wax?
Ear wax is a natural and necessary bodily secretion that serves a crucial role in protecting our ears. It’s produced by glands within the ear canal so that it can trap any dust, bacteria, and other foreign particles that could potentially harm the delicate structure of the ear.
Usually, the wax moves slowly from the ear canal to the ear opening, drying up and falling away as it reaches the open air. However, this natural process can be disrupted by a whole load of different factors, which can then lead to a build-up of ear wax within the ear canal.
Here I’m going to explain why this happens and what can be done about it.
Why Does Ear Wax Build Up?
A build-up of ear wax can be caused by a variety of factors and is a commonly seen issue which, it’s important to note, is not usually an indicator of a more serious health problem. Examples of causes include the use of earplugs or hearing aids, which can inadvertently push the wax deeper into the ear canal, as well as the use of cotton buds.
Additionally, as you age your ear wax can naturally become drier, which makes it less likely to move out of the ear naturally. There are also variations in the composition and texture of ear wax which can make it more likely to build up in some people rather than others.
If you find that you repeatedly suffer from a build-up of earwax it’s important to regularly have your ears checked with your audiologist and discuss a wax management plan with them.
What Happens When You Get a Build-Up of Ear Wax?
The symptoms you experience with an ear wax build-up will depend on the size of the blockage and where it is located within your ear canal.
These symptoms can include:
Reduced hearing or even complete hearing loss. This could affect your full range of hearing or just certain frequencies, and it can lead to conductive hearing loss if left untreated.
Discomfort and pressure. You may experience some discomfort or a pressure-like sensation in your ear, but in more severe cases it can cause pain.
Tinnitus. If you already suffer from tinnitus a build-up of ear wax can make the perceived noise more noticeable, and it can cause some people to experience it for the first time.
Dizziness. In severe cases, the impacted ear wax can affect the sensitive systems in your ear that manage your sense of balance.
How to Remove a Build-Up of Ear Wax
It’s important to see a professional if you have a build-up of ear wax, rather than attempt to remove it by yourself, as you can cause a great deal of damage to your ear if you insert anything into it.
The most effective way to remove excess ear wax is using a method called microsuction. This involves using a small vacuum, by a registered practitioner, to remove the wax safely. This gentle process allows the troublesome wax to be precisely targeted and removed without scraping the ear canal or pushing it further into the ear.
Different textures of ear wax or the position of the build-up can pose varying challenges to the removal process, but very rarely to the point it can’t be dealt with. Darker wax often indicates that it’s been building in the ear for longer and is harder to remove than lighter wax. Additionally, wax may get trapped in the bends of the ear canal, exerting pressure on the eardrum and causing discomfort which requires extra care and skill to remove. Wax can also build up around dead skin or hair in the ear canal which can make removal more challenging.
In these cases, I often recommend to my clients that they soften the wax using olive oil spray or drops before they come in for microsuction. However, I always recommend avoiding products that claim to remove the wax as they may leave it sticky and messy. Instead opt for olive oil-based products, such as Ceremol and Earol.
Olive oil or any other drops should not be used if you’re prone to ear infections or have a perforated eardrum though. In such instances, seeking professional advice is crucial to ensure the safety of the ear canal.
As an experienced audiologist, I’m able to perform micro-suction ear wax removal while simultaneously assessing the ear, so I can adapt my approach and treatment plan depending on your individual condition. This personalised approach enables me to reduce discomfort and identify any referable conditions related to your hearing health, whilst removing the wax.
If you’d like to book an appointment or find out more about ear wax removal, contact us and we will be happy to assist!