Introduction:
Earwax buildup is a common problem seen in many people. The ear canal has glands that secrete a waxy oil called cerumen. It is produced in the outer part of the ear canal and not deep inside the ear. The secreted wax finds its way to the opening of the ear. Normally, only small amounts of wax are formed, which gets expelled with the movements of the jaw. Earwax is produced to protect the ears. It has both lubricating and antibacterial properties. Some people form more wax which gets collected in the ear and causes problems. When the wax builds up and blocks the ear canal it is medically called cerumen impaction.
What Are the Causes of Earwax Blockage?
Earwax is typically a mixture of fatty secretions from the sebaceous glands and sweat glands from the outer ear canal. Usually, through jaw movements like chewing, the earwax secretions are propelled through the canal to the opening of the ears, where they dry up and harmlessly flake off. When the earwax picks up abundant amounts of debris and settles in the ear canal for an extended period of time, it hardens and is more likely to cause a blockage. Earwax blockage usually occurs when people try to clean their ears on their own using earbuds or other items in the ear. This happens because the wax is pushed deeper into the ear while cleaning rather than removing it.
Who Is More Likely to Develop Earwax Build-up?
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People with very small ear canals.
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Those with plenty of hair in the ears or people with certain skin conditions.
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Those working in dusty surroundings.
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Individuals who use hearing aids, earplugs, or earbuds.
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Older people.
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People with certain developmental disabilities.
What Are the Symptoms of Earwax Blockage?
If one has excessive earwax build-up, they will commonly complain of difficulty in hearing and a sensation of blockage. Here are the other common signs and symptoms reported in case of earwax blockage:
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Pain in the ears.
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The feeling of fullness in the ears.
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Reduced hearing in the affected ear.
Untreated earwax buildup can result in an infection causing the following symptoms:
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Pain in the ear that does not subside.
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Drainage from the ears.
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A foul odor coming from the ear.
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Cough.
Occasionally, there may be giddiness. A person with earwax buildup may suddenly feel a complete block in the ear when water enters the ears and wax swells up.
How Is Earwax Blockage Diagnosed?
Earwax blockage is diagnosed based on the symptoms reported by the patient and by examining the ears with a special instrument known as an otoscope.
Can Earwax Buildup Be Treated at Home?
Earwax usually falls off on its own, and if it does not fall, then try using two to three drops of almond or olive oil into the ear three to four times a day. While administering, make sure the person lies with the head on one side for a few minutes to let the oil work its way through the ear canal. This can be done for three to five days.
How Is Earwax Blockage Medically Treated?
Ear Drops:
The ear wax removal is done by an ENT (ear nose throat) specialist using a simple procedure called syringing. The doctor may initially prescribe some ear drops to soften the wax making it easier for removal. Following the softening, the doctor will remove the wax with syringing or using instruments.
Ear Irrigation:
If the method of using ear drops for earwax removal does not give the expected results, then the doctor may recommend another procedure called irrigation, in which high-pressure water is administered to the ear canal to dislodge the block. This procedure is not painful, but water squirting can make a person feel strange. Ear irrigation is not recommended in the following circumstances:
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The person who has had ear surgery in the past 12 months.
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The person with a perforated eardrum or had one in the past 12 months.
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Mucus discharge indicates an undiagnosed perforation.
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The person is born with a cleft palate.
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The person who has had a recent infection, otitis media (infection of the middle ear).
Manual Earwax Removal:
If ear irrigation is not successful, then the doctor may recommend manual earwax removal using a thin instrument with a small hoop at the end to scrape out the earwax. The other instruments used for manual earwax removal include curettes, spoons, and hooks.
Microsuction:
In this procedure, a small instrument is used to suck the earwax out of the ear.
What Can One Expect if They Have Impacted Cerumen?
If someone has impacted cerumen, they can expect symptoms such as ear pain, ear fullness, decreased hearing, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), itching, or a feeling of pressure in the ear. In some cases, impacted earwax may cause dizziness. A doctor can safely remove the earwax buildup.
Are There Any Ways Available to Prevent the Buildup of Earwax?
There is no specific way to prevent earwax buildup; moreover, earwax has an important function in keeping the ears healthy, and so it should not be removed unless the build-up is causing ear blockage resulting in other symptoms. However, repeated episodes of earwax blockage can be prevented by avoiding the usage of earbuds Q-tips, or any other items that can push the earwax deeper into the ear canal. People with hearing aids should have a routine examination for cerumen impaction every three to six months.
What Are the Complications Associated With Earwax Blockage?
Earwax buildup itself does not cause any complications, but the treatment done for earwax removal can lead to complications like:
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Otitis externa.
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Short-term hearing loss.
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Perforation in the eardrum.
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Bleeding from the ear.
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Dizziness.
When Should a Doctor Be Consulted for Earwax Buildup, and What Questions Should Be Asked?
One should see a doctor if they have ear pain, dizziness, or trouble hearing because of earwax buildup. Also, if trying to remove earwax at home does not work or if there have been ear problems in the past, it is good to see a doctor.
Questions to ask the doctor may include inquiries about safe methods for earwax removal, potential causes of the buildup, and strategies for preventing future occurrences. It is a good idea to find out the frequency of treatments and to ask for advice on keeping the ears healthy.
Conclusion:
Earwax is normal and serves a role in protecting the inside of the ear canal. Only when there is an excess build-up of earwax does it result in various symptoms. Never make the condition worse by trying earwax removal manually when not knowing how it has to be done; rather, consult the healthcare provider immediately to prevent it from pushing further inside the ear canal or from other complications.
