Fig: Excessive Wax in the Ear
Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a brown, orange, yellowish waxy substance secreted in the ear canal of humans. This wax serves as a shield between the eardrum and things in the outside world, such as dust, microorganisms, and foreign particles. It also protects and moisturises the skin of the ear canal, preventing itchy ears.
However, in certain circumstances, earwax buildup may occur, blocking the ear canal leading to deafness. To restore hearing the wax will need to be removed. Excessive wax in the ears one of the most common problems seen by doctors. It is a harmless condition.
Causes of earwax buildup
Blockage, or impaction, often occurs when the earwax gets pushed deeper into your ear canal. This may be due to:
- Your glands may produce more earwax than is necessary, which may lead to the earwax getting hard.
- Certain skin conditions such as seborrhoeic dermatitis can contribute to excess wax buildup.
- Narrow ear canals.
- Hairy ear canals.
- The use of cotton swabs, Q-tips, or cotton buds can cause the wax to become impacted as well as possibly lead to perforation of the eardrum. There is a saying, that the “smallest thing that you should put in your ears is your elbow!” DON’T use cotton buds in your ear!!
- Frequent use of hearing aids, earphones, or earbuds can also cause earwax blockage.
Symptoms of earwax buildup
Symptoms of an earwax impaction or blockage include:
- Sudden partial hearing loss
- An earache or ear pain
- A feeling of fullness in the ear
- Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
- Dizziness
More serious symptoms could mean you’ve developed an infection. Watch out for:
- Serious pain
- Drainage from the ear canal
- Itching
- Dizziness
- Fever
- An odour coming from your ear
Complications of earwax buildup
The following problems can occur if earwax isn’t removed carefully and correctly:
- Perforated eardrum (leaving a hole in the eardrum)
- External-ear infection
- Middle-ear infection
- Permanent hearing loss due to trauma
Treatment of earwax buildup
In normal circumstances, excess wax finds its way out of the canal and into the ear opening naturally and then is washed away. However, if this isn’t the case, then wax build-up occurs which will need to be removed. Before wax can be removed the following can be done:
Home Treatment
- You can soften the earwax by putting a few drops of baby oil, mineral oil or glycerin into your ear.
- What also works well in softening wax is to get a small “squirt bottle”, half fill it with warm water. Add 4 drops of Sunlight liquid and place a few drops of the liquid in the ear. Wait 5 minutes before doing the other ear. This should be done at 24 hours, 12 hours, and 1 hour before your appointment.
- Do not try to dig the earwax out.
Medical Treatment
If you feel extreme discomfort in your ear, this may mean that you have an ear infection. In this case, it is better to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. The infection may need to be managed prior to removal.
Request an appointment at The Vines Family Practice
Your doctor may use the following tools/methods to remove the wax:
- Irrigation (washing out your ear)
- Suction (otherwise known as ear vacuuming)
- A curette (a small, curved instrument)
How to prevent earwax buildup
- Avoid using cotton-tipped swabs (such as Q-tips) or other objects in your ear.
- Avoid using earphones or earbuds regularly.
- If it’s more than an occasional problem for you, you may need to regularly make use of softening agents. Your doctor can advise here.
Conclusion
In some cases, even if you do clean your ears correctly and often, you may still get earwax buildup. This may be due to your glands producing more wax than is necessary.
If you’re experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms, you can make an appointment at our offices here to ensure the safe removal of the wax blockage.