Earwax blockage can be a common problem for many people. It is not just uncomfortable, but also may lead to more serious problems if it is not treated early on. Earwax is naturally produced by the body and helps to keep the ear canal clean and protect it from bacteria, dirt and debris.
Earwax blockage can lead to:
Hearing loss
Irritation
Pain in your ear
Dizziness
Ringing in your ears
The cause of impacted earwax is not fully understood, but it is believed to be due to blockage of the ear canal by thickened wax which is called cerumen.
In most cases, impacted earwax does not cause any symptoms at all. However, if it becomes infected or inflamed it may cause:
A blocked inner ear canal that causes hearing loss or dizziness because sound doesn’t pass through the eardrum and into the middle ear.
A bacterial infection (otitis externa) that causes soreness and redness around the outer ear canal. It can also make your child feel sick to their stomach if they are persistently blowing their nose.
Earwax is a natural part of your ear canal and helps prevent bacteria from entering your ears. It may also provide some protection against water, dust, and other environmental contaminants.
If you have dry or hardened earwax, it can become impacted and block the opening of the ear canal. This causes itching and pain when you try to remove it by using cotton swabs or other methods.
Earwax can build up as you age and in some cases may indicate a medical condition called cerumen impaction syndrome (CIS). In CIS, too much wax builds up in the ear canal and blocks the opening. You may have CIS if:
You have a lot of ear hair. This includes thinning or baldness of your outermost layer of skin (the epidermis), which covers the surface of the outermost part of your ear canal (the helix).
Your ears are very narrow at the end closest to your head (the concha), which is where most people can feel their own earwax buildup.
You routinely use cotton swabs to clean your ears because they help scrape out debris trapped in the outermost part of your ear canal, which lets wax build up there easily.
If you have any of these symptoms, speak with your doctor about how to get rid of the excess earwax. Your doctor will likely recommend a treatment plan that involves a procedure called an earwax removal.
Earwax is a naturally occuring substance that helps keep the ears clean. Earwax can also be produced by glands in the outer ear and ossicles. It is made of dead skin cells, sebum, and other materials.
Earwax is important because it traps dirt and dust particles that would otherwise get into the ear canal and block it up. This can cause irritation and infections in the ear canal. It also serves as a protective covering for your eardrum, which protects your hearing from loud noises.
In some people, excessive earwax production may cause symptoms like itching and pain when they are removed from their ears (either through cleaning or using wax removal drops). This build-up of earwax is called impacted earwax and if left untreated can lead to permanent damage to the ears such as:
Hearing Loss
Ear Irritation
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Other Issues
If impacted earwax is not removed, it becomes more complicated to remove. The ear canal can be stretched as a result of excess wax and the condition may require further medical intervention. If this happens, you may need an ear canaloscopy or an otoscope (a device used to examine the ear canal).
Earwax buildup can be a pain. If you’re dealing with an earwax impaction, you’ve probably tried everything to get rid of it. The good news is that it’s easy to remove and prevent future problems from happening.
There are many solutions that can be used to get rid of impacted earwax, including:
Ear irrigation. In-office earwax removal.
If you have a blocked ear canal, there are several methods you can use to help unblock it. Ear irrigation is a common option, but it’s not always effective. A more common solution is in-office earwax removal. After an exam to see if there’s an issue with your ears, your doctor may recommend this procedure if your earwax is causing problems or discomfort for you.
Earwax is a natural product that protects your ears from infection. However, sometimes it can become impacted and cause discomfort, itching, and even hearing loss. Here are some ways to remove earwax:
Ear irrigation.
In-office earwax removal.
Ear irrigation is the most common method of removing earwax. It involves gently tapping or rinsing the outer part of your ear with water. You can also use an ear syringe to gently suction out impacted earwax without damaging it. This may be uncomfortable at first but becomes easier over time as your body adjusts to this treatment method.
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