Ear Wax Removal
in Washington DC

Ear wax shields your ears from dirt, bacteria, and other microscopic particles that might irritate your ear canal and cause hearing loss. Too much ear wax, on the other hand, might clog your ear canal and cause hearing loss. Knowing how to remove ear wax in a safe and effective manner can help you protect your hearing and ear health.

About ear wax — why do we have ear wax?

Ear wax is a natural substance that protects your ears by collecting microscopic debris such as dust and bacteria that may otherwise enter and harm them. Ear wax also protects the sensitive skin inside your ear canal from water-related discomfort, according to the National Library of Medicine (NLM).

Ear wax collects dead skin cells, debris, and hair as it flows from the inside of your ears to the outside of the ear canal. Ear wax has antibacterial and antifungal characteristics, according to Harvard Medical School, making it an efficient natural ear cleanser. It goes on to say that if your ears don't create or contain enough ear wax, they'll be itchy and painful.

Treatment of a common ear condition

According to the National Library of Medicine, removing ear wax can help you prevent and avoid hearing loss. Most cases of ear wax buildup, according to the National Library of Medicine, can be treated at home using procedures that soften the wax so it can be readily removed or washed out. It goes on to say that in some cases, you may need to seek medical assistance to avoid hurting your ears or triggering an infection.

Hearing loss caused by ear wax buildup is usually transitory and goes away once the blockage is removed, according to the National Library of Medicine. Hearing loss that persists after removing ear wax should be evaluated and treated by a doctor.

The side effects of excessive ear wax

According to the National Library of Medicine, excessive ear wax can cause ear discomfort and hearing issues. Ear pain, the sense of blocked ears, and tinnitus (inner ear noises) are all frequent adverse effects of ear wax buildup, according to the National Library of Medicine. You may also have a partial hearing loss that worsens with time.

The development of ear wax

Cerumen is another name for ear wax. According to Harvard Medical School, it is a mixture of secretions from sebaceous glands and sweat glands in the outer ear canal's walls.

When you chew or chat with your jaw, the secretions pass through the inner ear canal and into the outer ear canal, where they dry out and flake. According to Harvard Medical School, this permits older ear wax deposits to flow out or be removed more readily from your ears..

Where wax comes from

Ear wax is a natural ear cleanser produced by glands in the ear canal to protect your ears from dangerous dirt and other debris, according to Harvard Medical School. It goes on to say that no one knows why some people have greater ear wax problems than others.

According to the University of Texas at Austin, older people with coarse, wiry hairs in their ears have higher ear wax buildup difficulties than others. Hearing aid users have more ear wax than non-users, owing to the fact that some hearing aids are constructed in such a way that wax cannot readily move out of the ear canal.

Ear wax removal tips

Cotton swabs are commonly used to remove ear wax accumulation. According to UC San Diego, many medical specialists advise against employing this procedure since it can push wax deeper into the ear canal. It goes on to say that the easiest approach to clean your ears is to use wax-softening ear drops, which can be found at almost any pharmacy.

The National Library of Medicine recommends using baby oil or mineral oil to soften ear wax. Once you can see the wax, you can easily remove it from the outer ear canal with a small piece of cloth or tissue wrapped around your finger.

If you're having trouble removing ear wax, the National Library of Medicine suggests seeing a doctor. Other irrigation methods, as well as a curette or suction equipment, can be used by a doctor to eliminate ear wax.

Tips for hearing-aid wearers

The National Library of Medicine recommends that people who use hearing aids have their ear canals examined for extra wax every three to six months. According to Harvard Medical School, ear wax is responsible for 60 percent to 70% of hearing aid degradation. If you use a hearing aid, have your doctor examine your ears at least once every six months for ear wax buildup.