Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a natural substance produced by the body to protect the ears from dust, debris, and other foreign objects.
While it is important for maintaining ear health, too much earwax can cause a build-up that can lead to hearing loss, pain, and discomfort. In this blog post, we will discuss why earwax build-up happens and how to prevent it.
Why earwax builds up
Everyone is different. Some individuals naturally create more ear wax than others, while other natural conditions, like the shape of the ear canal, and also play a part in earwax build-up.
Some people have ear canals that are more curved or narrower than others, which can make it harder for the wax to naturally exit the ear. This can cause the wax to accumulate and become compacted.
Surprisingly, the use of cotton buds or other items to clean the ears is one of the main causes of earwax build-up.
These items do not remove the wax from the ear; instead, they push it deeper into the ear canal. As a result, the wax may become compressed and difficult to remove.
It is also important to avoid putting foreign objects, such as headphones or earbuds, deep into the ear canal.
How to prevent earwax build-up
To prevent earwax build-up, nothing beats good old warm water! Use a damp cloth or a bulb syringe filled with warm water to gently clean the outer ear.
If this doesn’t work, then ear drops from the chemist are the next step. Typically containing ingredients like mineral oil, glycerine, or carbamide peroxide, they are designed to soften the wax and make it easier to remove.
It is also important to have regular ear check-ups. An ear, nose and throat doctor can check for earwax build-up and remove it if necessary. They can also check for any underlying conditions that may be causing the build-up, such as a blockage in the ear canal.
When your ears are blocked
It is crucial to remember that treating excessive or impacted ear wax at home can be risky and that safe removal requires a visit to a professional.
If the eardrum is punctured, no ear drops or other products should be used, but of course, you can’t know things are that bad until you see a specialist.
If you’re suffering hearing loss or have a blockage in one or both ears, then contact us today and let’s make an appointment to have them checked out.
We offer a simple, pain-free experience, in a relaxed and safe environment. A quick look in your ears will tell us what’s going on and what we can do about it. If it’s a case of simply removing earwax build-up, then we can usually do it there and then in a matter of minutes.
Give Julie-Anne a call today on 07857 454872 or email info@waxremovalni.com.
