Earwax is a naturally occurring substance that is produced by wax glands in the external ear canal. Its exact purpose is unknown but earwax does play an important role in keeping your ears healthy by repelling water and preventing dust/dirt particles from reaching the eardrum. The technical name for earwax is cerumen (pronounced seh-roo-men).What causes excessive earwax buildup?
Several factors are associated with earwax buildup, but 2 of the most common are aging and the use of devices that either cover or are inserted into the ear (like hearing aids, earbuds, headsets, etc.)
How common is excessive build-up of wax?
It is rare in people between the ages of 33-44 (only 9% incidence rate), but affects over 40% of people between the ages of 75-85.
What are the symptoms of earwax buildup?
Excessive earwax buildup can result in itching in the ears, muffled hearing, tinnitus and sometimes ear pain. For patients wearing hearing aids, excessive earwax buildup can cause hearing aid malfunction and failure.
Why shouldn't I use cotton swabs to clean my ears?
Products like cotton swabs often actually push the earwax further into the ear canal making it more difficult to remove. If inserted too far into the canal, these products can also cause damage to the ear drum. Most of the time the ear canals are self-cleaning - old earwax is constantly migrating from the ear canal to the ear opening where it typically dries, flakes and falls out. Most people never have to clean the ear canals.
How do I remove excessive earwax?
First you should consult with your primary care doctor, otolarnygologist or audiologist to determine if earwax removal is necessary. The degree of buildup and where the buildup is located in the canal will help to determine how best to remove the wax from the ear. Options may include use of earwax softening drops and/or flushing or suctioning the wax out in office. If you are prone to excessive wax buildup your doctor may also prescribe a maintenance regimen.
Please contact J Waligora Audiology at 315-463-1724 with any further questions.
