Earwax Buildup

Earwax is a thick, sticky, yellow colored, waxy substance produced in the ear canal. Presence of this substance is useful in many ways. To mention a few, it helps in keeping the ear clean, lubricating the ear canal and also, in maintaining a pH balance, thereby preventing ear infection. It won't be wrong to say that earwax is a part of the body's natural defense mechanism. Nevertheless, excess earwax buildup causes ear problems, like hearing impairment and short-term hearing loss.

Earwax Blockage

So, what causes earwax buildup? Cerumen glands located in the ear canal are responsible for production of earwax. Hence, the other name for this waxy substance is cerumen. Secretion of earwax is a natural process. Being sticky in nature, it helps trap foreign particles, including dust, dirt, germs, from entering the inner ear. Presence of earwax in the outer ear is not a concern for all of us. But, excessive earwax generation in the inner ear is a worrying issue.

In most cases, excess cerumen buildup is contributed by manual cleaning of the ear. Many of us have a habit of removing earwax with cotton swabs, from which fiber strands may get deposited in the ear canal. The same is with inserting earplugs and fingers in the ear canal. The dust and dirt present on the surface gets trapped in the ear, thus contributing to build up of earwax. A rare cause for cerumen build up is a slight bending of the ear canal, called twisted ear canal.

Symptoms of Earwax Overproduction

According to health experts, earwax is a healthy barrier that separates the inner parts of the ear from the outer ear. As it keeps on secreting in the ear canal, the outer layer dries out slowly in the process. Usually, the dried earwax is pushed out naturally. As long as it is not accumulated in excess, it helps in protecting the delicate ear structure. Nevertheless, too much of cerumen is associated with mild to severe medical problems. Following are notable symptoms of earwax buildup:

• Blockage and dryness feeling in the ear
• Persistent ringing sound in the ear
• Itching and discomfort in the ear
• Difficulty in hearing sounds
• Pain in the ear or earache
• Ear infections without any specific reason
• Temporary loss of hearing

Getting Rid of Earwax

Manual earwax removal is done with the help of Q-tip, cotton swabs or other commercial earwax removal products. For hardened or impacted earwax, getting the doctor's help is a practical solution, instead of cleaning earwax at home. Some of the effectual ways for earwax buildup removal, which you can try at home are as follows:

• A safe way for earwax cleaning is to drape a clean washcloth over tip of the little finger, dampen (not wet) it, and wipe the outer part of ear. It is not necessary that you insert the washcloth deep in the ear.
• Put lukewarm mineral oil in the affected ear. Keep it for 5 minutes, with the ear facing upwards or place a cotton plug inside the ear. After that, allow oil to drain out properly.
• Using dilute hydrogen peroxide for earwax removal is considered a safe remedy, provided that the solution is applied correctly. Do not apply hydrogen peroxide in ear, if you do not know how to use it.
• Use an over-the-counter ear drop (for example, Auro, Debrox, Murine, etc.) that contains carbamide peroxide. It dissolves the earwax and helps in easy removal.
• Ear candling is another way to remove cerumen buildup. But, ear candling is not safe and required instructions should be followed carefully.

It is to be borne in mind that cerumen is present just next to the eardrum, which is a very sensitive membrane. This membrane is crucial for normal perception of sound waves. But, if increased pressure is applied while cleaning earwax, the eardrum may get perforated, which is main reason for hearing loss. Hence, correct precautions should be taken for removing excessive earwax.