Description:
Earwax blockage occurs when earwax (cerumen) builds up in your ear or becomes too hard to wash away naturally.But Earwax is a helpful and natural part of your body’s defenses.Your ear canal produces a waxy oil called cerumen, which is more commonly known as earwax. This wax protects the ear from dust, foreign particles, and microorganisms. It also protects ear canal skin from irritation due to water. It cleans, coats and protects your ear canal by trapping dirt and slowing the growth of bacteria.
It becemes a problem when your ear canal makes more earwax than needed, the wax may get hard and block the ear. When cleaning the ear, you can accidentally push the wax deeper, causing a blockage.
In typical circumstances, excess wax finds its way out of the canal and into the ear opening naturally and then is washed away. Sometimes, however, too much wax can build up.
You should take great caution when treating earwax buildup at home, especially because wax buildup is a common reason for temporary hearing loss.
If the problem persists, visit your doctor. Treatment is generally quick and painless, and hearing can be fully restored.
Symptoms:
The appearance of earwax varies from light yellow to dark brown. Darker colors don’t necessarily indicate that there’s a blockage.
Signs of earwax buildup include:
*sudden or partial hearing loss, which is usually temporary
*tinnitus, which is a ringing or buzzing in the ear
*a feeling of fullness in the ear
*earache
Unremoved earwax buildup can lead to infection. Contact your doctor if you experience the symptoms of infection, such as:
*severe pain in your ear
*pain in your ear that doesn’t subside
*drainage from your ear
*fever
*coughing
*persistent hearing loss
*an odor coming from your ear
*dizziness
It’s important to note that hearing loss, dizziness, and earaches also have many other causes. See your doctor if any of these symptoms are frequent. A full medical evaluation can help determine whether the problem is due to excess earwax or another health issue entirely.
Earwax in children:
Children, like adults, naturally produce earwax. While it may be tempting to remove the wax, doing so can damage your child’s ears.
If you suspect your child has earwax buildup or a blockage, it’s best to see a pediatrician. Your child’s doctor may also notice excess wax during regular ear exams and remove it as needed. Also, if you notice your child sticking their finger or other objects in their ear out of irritation, you might want to ask their doctor to check their ears for wax buildup.
Earwax in aged persons:
Earwax can also be problematic in older adults. Some adults may let wax buildup go until it begins obstructing hearing. In fact, most cases of conductive hearing loss in older adults are caused by earwax buildup. This makes sounds seem muffled. A hearing aid can also contribute to a wax blockage.
Causes:
The wax in your ears is made by glands in the skin of your outer ear canal. The wax and tiny hairs in these passages trap dust and other materials that could damage deeper parts of your ear, such as your eardrum.
In most people, a small amount of earwax regularly makes its way to the ear opening. At the opening, it’s washed away or falls out as new wax replaces it. If your ears make too much wax or if earwax isn’t cleared well enough, it may build up and block your ear canal.
Earwax blockages often happen when people try to get earwax out on their own by using cotton swabs or other items in their ears. This usually just pushes wax deeper into the ear, rather than removing it.
The wax in your ears is made by glands in the skin of your outer ear canal. The wax and tiny hairs in these passages trap dust and other materials that could damage deeper parts of your ear, such as your eardrum.
In most people, a small amount of earwax regularly makes its way to the ear opening. At the opening, it’s washed away or falls out as new wax replaces it. If your ears make too much wax or if earwax isn’t cleared well enough, it may build up and block your ear canal.
Earwax blockages often happen when people try to get earwax out on their own by using cotton swabs or other items in their ears. This usually just pushes wax deeper into the ear, rather than removing it.
How to get rid of excess earwax:
You should never attempt to dig out earwax buildup yourself. This can cause major damage to your ear and lead to infection or hearing loss.
However, you’ll often be able to get rid of the excess earwax yourself. Only use cotton swabs on the outer portion of your ears if necessary.
Softening earwax:
To soften earwax, you can purchase over-the-counter drops made specifically for this purpose. You can also use the following substances:
*mineral oil
*hydrogen peroxide
*carbamide peroxide
*baby oil
*glycerin
*Ear irrigation
Another way to remove earwax buildup is by irrigating the ear. Never attempt to irrigate your ear if you have an ear injury or have had a medical procedure done on your ear. Irrigation of a ruptured eardrum could cause hearing loss or infection.
Never use products that were made for irrigating your mouth or teeth. They produce more force than your eardrum can safely tolerate.
To properly irrigate your ear, follow the directions provided with an over-the-counter kit, or follow these steps:
1.Stand or sit with your head in an upright position.
2.Hold the outside of your ear and pull it gently upward.
3.With a syringe, send a stream of body-temperature water into your ear. Water that’s too cold or too warm can cause dizziness.
4.Allow water to drain by tipping your head.
It might be necessary to do this several times. If you often deal with wax buildup, routine ear irrigations may help prevent the condition.
For anykind of treatment if required it is always wise to co consult an ENT spacilist doctor who might suggest some medication required to solve your problen,
Disclaimer: This information is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advise or help. It is always best to consult with a Physician about serious health concerns. This information is in no way intended to diagnose or prescribe remedies.This is purely for educational purpose.
Resources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/earwax-buildup#treatme
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/earwax-blockage/symptoms-causes/syc-20353004
