Earwax, or cerumen, is a natural substance made by our ears. It plays a key role in keeping our ears healthy. In this article, we’ll discover why earwax is made and how it helps protect our ears.
The Ear’s Self-Cleaning Mechanism
Our ears are amazing because they can clean themselves. Earwax is a big part of this process. It’s mostly made up of dead skin cells, hair, and a waxy fluid from special glands in the ear canal. Earwax helps keep the skin inside the ear canal soft and moist. This prevents it from getting dry, itchy, or infected.
How Earwax Protects
One important job of earwax is to catch things like dust, dirt, and germs that might get into the ear. It works like a shield, stopping these things from reaching the eardrum, where they could cause damage or infections. This is the ear’s way of keeping itself safe from harm.
The Natural Movement of Earwax
The ear canal has tiny hairs that help move earwax out of the ear naturally. When we talk, chew, or move our jaws, these actions help push the old earwax to the outer part of the ear. This means we don’t usually need to clean our ears. The old earwax just falls out on its own when it’s dry.
Maintaining Ear Health
Earwax is normal and necessary for ear health, but sometimes it can cause problems if there’s too much or if it’s removed the wrong way. Too much earwax can block the ear canal. This can cause hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), dizziness, or ear pain. Some people’s ears make too much earwax, so blockages happen more often.
Signs of Earwax Buildup
Knowing the signs of earwax buildup can help you take action before it becomes a bigger problem. Some signs include feeling like your ear is plugged, having trouble hearing, hearing buzzing or ringing sounds, feeling dizzy, or having pain in the ear. If you notice these signs, it’s a good idea to see a hearing professional.
Dangers of Using Cotton Swabs
Many people use cotton swabs to clean their ears, but this can push earwax deeper into the ear canal. This makes blockages worse and can harm the ear canal or eardrum. Audiologists say not to use cotton swabs because they can do more harm than good.
Safe Earwax Management
If you have too much earwax or a blockage, you should see a hearing professional. An audiologist can safely remove the earwax with special tools and methods. Don’t try to remove earwax at home unless a doctor tells you how.
Professional Earwax Removal
Audiologists use safe methods to remove earwax, like using small instruments, suction, or irrigation. These methods are designed to avoid harming the ear and to make sure the earwax is removed completely. This helps keep your ears healthy and free from blockages.
When to See a Professional
It’s important to see a professional if you have symptoms of earwax buildup or if you’ve tried to clean your ears and they still feel blocked. An audiologist can check your ears and determine the best way to help you.
Regular Check-Ups
Some people have ears that make a lot of earwax, and they might need regular cleanings to keep their ears healthy. Seeing an audiologist regularly can help find and fix any earwax problems.
Professional Earwax Removal in Fort Wayne, IN
Making earwax is a natural and important process that helps keep ears healthy. It acts like a cleaning system, catching things that could harm the ear. But if there’s too much earwax or it’s taken out the wrong way, it can cause blockages and pain.
Help from Audiologists
Audiologists can help people manage their earwax and keep their ears healthy. If you have earwax-related symptoms or concerns about your ears, talk to a professional instead of trying to fix it yourself. The body’s ability to make earwax shows how it protects itself. With the right care, our ears can stay healthy for a lifetime.
Services Offered
HearCare Audiology offers expert audiology services, including professional earwax removal and ear cleaning, in Fort Wayne, IN, and nearby areas. Our team is trained to help you with any earwax issues you might have, ensuring that your hearing stays clear and your ears remain healthy.