Earwax, or cerumen, is a naturally occurring substance that plays a vital role in maintaining the health and cleanliness of our ear canals. Far from being a sign of poor hygiene, it serves as a protective shield by capturing dust, dirt, and other foreign particles, stopping them from reaching the sensitive eardrum. It also possesses antibacterial and lubricating properties.

However, for some individuals, earwax can accumulate excessively, leading to a blockage that can cause discomfort, impair hearing, and even lead to more significant health issues. That’s exactly what we are going to discuss in this article. Read on to learn everything you need to know about earwax blockages and their effective management.

What is Earwax (Cerumen)?

Earwax is a sticky material created by glands located in the outer section of the ear canal. What is earwax made of? It’s a natural mix of secretions from sebaceous and ceruminous glands, combined with dead skin cells and tiny hairs. Its purpose is multifaceted: it lubricates the ear canal, protects against water damage, and acts as a natural defence mechanism by trapping dust, bacteria, fungi, and small insects, preventing them from entering deeper into the ear.

Normally, earwax dries up and falls out of the ear naturally, often aided by jaw movements from chewing and talking. This self-cleaning mechanism works effectively for most people, but certain factors can disrupt this process, leading to a build-up.

Causes of Earwax Blockage

An earwax blockage occurs when earwax accumulates faster than the ear can naturally clear it, or when something impedes its natural outward movement. Common causes include:

• Improper Cleaning Methods: The most frequent culprit is the use of cotton buds (Q-tips) or other objects to clean the ear. Instead of removing wax, these often push it deeper into the ear canal, compacting it against the eardrum.
• Narrow or Abnormally Shaped Ear Canals: Some individuals naturally have ear canals that are narrower or have an unusual shape, making it difficult for wax to exit efficiently.
• Overproduction of Earwax: While less common, some people simply produce more Earwax than average, which can lead to faster accumulation.
• Hearing Aids and Earplugs: Regular use of hearing aids or earplugs can prevent earwax from naturally migrating out of the ear, pushing it further inward and potentially causing blockages.
• Age: As people age, earwax tends to become drier and harder, making it more challenging for the ear to self-clean. The glands that produce earwax also become less efficient.
• Bony Growths (Exostoses): In some cases, bony growths in the ear canal can obstruct the natural movement of earwax.

Symptoms of Earwax Blockage

When earwax accumulates to the point of causing a blockage, it can manifest in various uncomfortable and potentially concerning symptoms. These often include:

• Partial Hearing Loss: This is one of the most common symptoms and can range from mild to significant, often worsening over time. It may feel like your ear is plugged.
• Earache or Discomfort: A feeling of fullness or pressure in the affected ear, sometimes accompanied by pain.
• Tinnitus: A ringing, buzzing, or roaring sound in the ear.
• Dizziness or Vertigo: While less common, a severe blockage pressing on the eardrum can sometimes affect balance, leading to dizziness or a spinning sensation.
• Itching or Irritation: Excess wax can irritate the ear canal.
• Discharge or Odour: In some cases, impacted wax can lead to minor infections, resulting in an unpleasant smell or discharge.
• Cough: Rarely, a blocked ear canal can trigger a reflex cough due to irritation of a nerve that also supplies the throat.

When to Seek Professional Help?

While it might be tempting to try and remove earwax yourself, it’s crucial to know when to consult a healthcare professional. You should always consult a doctor if:

• You experience sudden hearing loss, severe pain, or dizziness.
• You suspect your eardrum might be perforated (e.g., from a previous ear infection or injury). Attempting at-home remedies with a perforated eardrum can lead to serious infection.
• You have a history of ear surgery or ear infections.
• You have diabetes or a weakened immune system, as ear infections can be more serious.
• At-home remedies haven’t worked, or symptoms persist. A doctor can safely assess the situation and recommend the most appropriate removal method.

Safe Earwax Removal Methods

There are several safe and effective methods for earwax removal, both at home and professionally.

At-home options primarily involve using ear drops (mineral oil, olive oil, or sodium bicarbonate) to soften the wax, allowing it to naturally exit. It is important to never use cotton buds, as they often push wax deeper and can cause damage.

When at-home methods are insufficient or lead to concerns, professional removal is the safest course. This includes ear syringing/irrigation, where warm water gently flushes out the wax (only by a trained professional and not if the eardrum is perforated); micro suction, a highly effective method using gentle suction under direct vision; and manual removal, where a clinician uses specialized instruments to carefully extract the wax.

A Final Word

Earwax is a natural and beneficial part of our ear’s protective system. While it typically manages itself, blockages can occur, leading to uncomfortable symptoms and impaired hearing. Understanding the causes, recognising the signs, and crucially, opting for safe and appropriate removal methods are paramount. Self-treating with cotton buds can often worsen the problem or cause injury. When in doubt, or if symptoms are severe, always consult a healthcare professional. By adopting safe ear hygiene practices and seeking timely medical advice, you can ensure your ears remain healthy, functional, and free from unnecessary discomfort.

Sources:

• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/earwax-build-up/
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/earwax-blockage/diagnosis-treatment
• https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/ear-wax
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/ear-wax-buildup-blockage
• https://rnid.org.uk/information-and-support/ear-health/common-ear-conditions/ear-wax-build-up/