Ear Wax: Friend of Foe? - Live Better

Hearing loss might have been on Greek historian Herodotus’ mind when he remarked, “Men trust their ears less than their eyes.”

For those who suffer from it, hearing loss is no laughing matter. It affects around 48 million Americans – one out of every five – to some degree, the Hearing Loss Association of America reports. You probably associate hearing loss with aging. However, it could be due to something the body produces naturally: ear wax.

Pros of Ear Wax

Your ears naturally produce ear wax to clean, protect, and lubricate themselves. This wax, also known as cerumen, is the product of wax glands in the outer portion of the ear canal. It consists of 20 to 50 percent fat, according to Everyday Health, and dead skin cells shed by the ear canal.

Wax has several roles in ear health:
Coating the ear canal to moisten it
Fighting infection
Preventing dirt, dust, and additional debris from going too deep inside the ear

Hearing loss affects around 48 million Americans – one out of every five – to some degree, according to the Hearing Loss Association of America.

Once ear wax has accomplished its mission, it usually dries up, migrates to the ear canal, and eventually falls out of the ear. However, some people produce more wax than average, causing an accumulation and problems.

Cons of Ear Wax

The most common symptoms of a wax buildup include:

Pain
Sensation of fullness
A plugged feeling
Hearing loss
Ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
Itching
Infection
Discharge from your ear
Ear infection
Odor from your ear
Coughing

Even one of these symptoms signals the need for an exam by a physician. They could be linked to a large accumulation of wax called a cerumen impaction.

Cleaning Ear Wax

Ideally, your ear canals should never need to be cleaned, says the American Academy of Otolaryngology. However, when you experience wax buildup symptoms, it’s time to clean.

When you attempt to clean ear wax with probes like cotton swabs, twisted napkin corners, or hairpins, you’ll probably just push the wax in even deeper. This might cause a blockage against your eardrum.

Your ear canals should never need to be cleaned, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology.

If you do opt to self-clean, start by washing your external ear with a cloth and avoid inserting anything into your ear canal. The idea behind successful home treatment is to soften the wax. Acceptable methods include using:

Mineral oil
Baby Oil
Glycerin
A commercial irrigation kit

An irrigation kit includes a syringe. Any home treatment is most effective when liquids or dissolving drops are inserted in the ear canal for 15 to 30 minutes first. However, you should avoid home irrigation if you suffer from any of these conditions:

• Diabetes
Perforated eardrum
Weakened immune system

Many people try to clean ear wax with candling. Prevention says this involves inserting a hollowed-out candle into the ear, lighting the candle, and counting on suction created to pull out the accumulated ear wax. You should steer clear of candling since it could burn your ear drum or cause candle wax to become stuck inside your ear.

When to See an ENT Specialist

Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists are also called otolaryngologists. These doctors treat conditions that affect the ears, nose, larynx, throat, and structures of the face and neck. Common issues include hearing loss, sinus and ear infections, balance, dizziness, and voice issues. The American Academy of Otolaryngology reports that these physicians complete as many at 15 years of college and post-graduate education before practicing. When looking for a specialist, check for certification by the American Board of Otolaryngology.

Revere Health ENTs treat both adults and children. Many experts suggest seeing an ENT doctor for ear cleaning every 6 to 12 months if you’re one of those people whose ears produce an abundance of wax. To resolve your ear wax or other ENT issues, call today to schedule a consultation. You’ll love the comprehensive, patient-centered care you receive for both primary and specialty services.

Our specialists have received extensive training and completed a variety of procedures, offering the best ENT care for our patients. Our team also has access to a variety of specialties to ensure that patients receive coordinated care.

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This information is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. You should always consult your doctor before making decisions about your health.

Ear Wax: Friend or Foe?