Earwax may not be something you think about often, but it plays an essential role in keeping your ears healthy. Known medically as cerumen, earwax is a naturally occurring substance that helps trap dust, debris, and even harmful bacteria, preventing them from reaching deeper into the ear canal. It also acts as a natural moisturizer for the skin inside your ears, preventing dryness and irritation.
Despite its helpful functions, earwax can sometimes build up and cause issues like discomfort, hearing loss, or even infection. In such cases, many people reach for cotton swabs or other home remedies, but improper ear cleaning can do more harm than good. This blog will explore why earwax builds up, the risks of removing it incorrectly, and when it’s time to seek professional help from an ENT specialist.
Why Do We Have Earwax?
Earwax is made by glands in the outer part of the ear canal. As it travels outward naturally, it collects dead skin cells, dust, and other small particles, eventually drying up and falling out of the ear on its own. In most cases, your ears are self-cleaning and don’t require any intervention.
However, some people produce more earwax than others. Factors such as genetics, the shape of your ear canal, and certain health conditions can influence earwax production and how well it exits the ear. When the natural cleaning process is disrupted, wax can build up and cause blockages.
Common Reasons for Earwax Buildup
- Using Cotton Swabs or Inserting Objects in the Ear Many people think they’re helping their ears by cleaning them with cotton swabs. In reality, this habit often pushes wax deeper into the canal, compacting it and making it harder to remove.
- Wearing Hearing Aids or Earbuds Regularly Inserting devices into the ear frequently can interfere with the ear’s natural cleaning process and contribute to buildup.
- Narrow or Curved Ear Canals Some people naturally have ear canals that are narrower or more curved, making it harder for wax to exit on its own.
- Overproduction of Earwax Certain individuals simply produce more wax than others, increasing the chance of buildup over time.
Symptoms of Earwax Buildup or Impaction
It can be difficult to tell if you have excessive earwax, but the following symptoms may indicate a blockage:
- Muffled hearing or partial hearing loss
- A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
- Itching or discomfort in the ear canal
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Earache or sharp pain
These symptoms can affect one or both ears and tend to develop gradually as wax builds up.
Risks of Improper Earwax Removal
It might be tempting to remove earwax on your own, but DIY methods can be risky. Common issues from improper removal include:
- Pushing Wax Deeper: Cotton swabs and similar tools often push wax further into the canal, making the blockage worse.
- Ear Canal Injury: The skin inside the ear is delicate. Using sharp or abrasive objects can scratch or damage it.
- Eardrum Perforation: Inserting objects too far can lead to a ruptured eardrum, which may cause pain, hearing loss, and the need for medical intervention.
- Infection: Aggressive cleaning or damaging the ear canal can introduce bacteria and lead to painful infections.
Safe Earwax Removal at Home
If your ears feel slightly blocked and you’re not in pain, there are a few safe at-home remedies to try:
- Ear Drops: Over-the-counter drops made from mineral oil, baby oil, glycerin, or hydrogen peroxide can help soften the wax.
- Warm Water Rinse: After softening the wax, gently flushing your ear with warm water using a bulb syringe can help it exit more easily.
- Drying Your Ear: Always make sure to dry your ear gently after rinsing with a clean towel or by tilting your head.
However, if symptoms persist or worsen, avoid further self-treatment and schedule a visit with an ENT specialist.
When to See a Doctor for Earwax Removal
It’s time to consult a professional if you:
- Experience significant hearing loss
- Have persistent pain or discomfort in the ear
- Feel dizzy or off balance
- Have frequent earwax blockages
- Notice drainage or a foul smell from the ear
ENT specialists have the tools and training to safely remove earwax without damaging your ear canal or eardrum. They may use techniques such as:
- Microsuction: A gentle suction device to remove wax under visual guidance.
- Manual Removal: Using a curette or special instrument to extract the wax.
- Irrigation: Controlled water irrigation to flush out the buildup.
Preventing Future Earwax Buildup
To keep your ears healthy and reduce the risk of impaction, consider these tips:
- Avoid inserting anything into your ears, including cotton swabs
- Use earplugs or earbuds mindfully and keep them clean
- Visit your ENT for routine checkups, especially if you’re prone to buildup
Some people may require regular professional cleanings every 6 to 12 months, especially if they wear hearing aids or have naturally narrow canals.
Conclusion
Earwax plays a protective role in your health, but when it builds up, it can cause annoying and sometimes painful symptoms. Avoid home remedies that could cause damage and instead trust your ears to a professional.
At ENT Sinus Hearing Care Center, we specialize in gentle and effective earwax removal techniques that keep your ears healthy and your hearing clear. If you’re experiencing ear discomfort, blocked hearing, or frequent wax buildup, schedule an appointment with our experienced ENT specialists today. We’ll help you get the relief you need—safely and comfortably.
