Have you ever wondered why your ears produce wax? It might seem gross or annoying, but ear wax actually plays a very important role in keeping your ears healthy.
Let’s explore why our ears make wax and why it’s not something to be worried about.
What is Earwax?
Ear wax, also known as cerumen, is a sticky substance produced by glands in the ear canal. It might look different in different people, ranging from yellow to brown and even black. While it may seem gross, earwax has several important jobs that help protect our ears.
Why Do Ears Produce Wax?
- Protection: Ear wax is like a shield for your ears. It traps dust, dirt, and tiny particles that could harm your ears. Without earwax, these particles could reach the eardrum and cause infections or other problems.
- Cleaning: Ear wax helps clean your ears. As you move your jaw by talking or chewing, old earwax moves from the inside of your ear to the outside, taking trapped dirt and debris with it. This natural process keeps your ears clean.
- Moisturizing: Ear wax helps keep the skin in your ear canal from getting too dry. Dry skin can be itchy and uncomfortable. The waxy coating keeps your ear canals moisturized and healthy.
- Anti-Bacterial: Ear wax has special properties that can kill bacteria and fungi. This means it helps prevent infections from developing in your ears.
Why Does It Sometimes Feel Like There’s Too Much Earwax?
Sometimes, your ears might produce more wax than usual. This can happen for several reasons:
- Ear shape: Some people have ear canals that are naturally more narrow or curvy, which can cause earwax to build up more easily.
- Frequent cleaning: Ironically, trying to clean your ears too often can lead to more earwax production. Using cotton swabs or other objects can push wax deeper into the ear canal, causing a blockage.
- Skin conditions: Conditions like eczema or psoriasis can cause more ear wax to be produced.
- Earbuds and hearing aids: Using earbuds or hearing aids frequently can block the natural movement of earwax, leading to a buildup.
Should You Clean Your Ears?
Many people think they need to clean their ears regularly, but in most cases, you don’t need to. Your ears are very good at cleaning themselves. When you use cotton swabs or other objects to clean your ears, you can push the wax deeper, which can cause problems like blockages or even damage to your eardrum.
When to See an Audiologist
Sometimes, ear wax can build up and cause problems. Here are a few signs that you might need to see an audiologist (a hearing specialist):
- You have ear pain.
- Your ears feel full or blocked.
- You have trouble hearing.
- You experience ringing in your ears (tinnitus).
- You notice discharge or an unusual smell from your ear.
If you have any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to visit an audiologist. They can safely remove the earwax and check for any other issues.
How Do Audiologists Remove Earwax?
Audiologists have special tools and techniques to remove ear wax safely. They might use a small, curved instrument called a curette, or they might flush out the wax with water or a saline solution. These methods are much safer and more effective than trying to remove ear wax at home.
Earwax Removal in Valencia, CA
Ear wax might seem like a nuisance, but it’s actually an important part of how our ears stay clean and healthy. It protects, cleans, and moisturizes our ears and even helps prevent infections.
Remember, your ears know how to take care of themselves, so you usually don’t need to worry about cleaning them.
If you ever feel like you have too much ear wax or are experiencing any ear problems, don’t hesitate to visit an audiologist. They are there to help you keep your ears healthy and your hearing in top shape.
Santa Clarita Hearing Center provides professional ear wax removal services in Valencia, CA.
