WHAT IS EARWAX?
Earwax is a naturally occurring substance that plays a vital role in maintaining ear health. It helps protect the ear canal by trapping and preventing harmful microorganisms that can cause infection. In addition, earwax provides lubrication, which supports the natural shedding of dead skin cells. Its water-resistant properties help protect the ear canal from moisture, while its sticky consistency captures dust, dirt, and other debris before they can reach the delicate eardrum.
WHAT SHOULD WE AVOID DOING TO OUR EARS?
One of the most common causes of ear problems is excessive cleaning. Many people routinely clean their ears, often without realising that this can do more harm than good.
Cotton buds can accidentally puncture the eardrum or push earwax deeper into the ear canal, causing wax impaction, pain, temporary hearing loss, infection, and dizziness. Excessive cleaning can also remove all of the protective earwax, leaving the ear canal more susceptible to irritation, dryness, and infection.
Fortunately, the ears are naturally self-cleaning. Unlike the skin on the rest of the body, the skin lining the ear canal migrates outwards. New skin cells develop on the surface of the eardrum, at the deepest part of the ear canal, and gradually move towards the outer ear. As they migrate, they carry earwax and dead skin cells with them. This efficient process means that, for most people, the ears require little or no cleaning.
WHAT CAUSES EARWAX BUILD-UP?
Although earwax is usually cleared naturally by the ear, it can sometimes accumulate and cause problems. One common cause is the shape of the ear canal. Narrow, curved, or unusually shaped ear canals can make it more difficult for earwax to migrate naturally, allowing it to build-up over time.
Earwax can also accumulate when objects are regularly placed in the ears, such as hearing aids, earplugs, earphones or cotton buds. These can prevent the natural movement of earwax and may gradually push it deeper into the ear canal.Some people are also more prone to excessive earwax because they naturally produce larger amounts of wax or have skin or ear conditions that interfere with the ear’s normal self-cleaning process.
SUDDEN HEARING LOSS REQUIRES URGENT ASSESSMENT
A sudden loss of hearing should always be treated as a medical emergency. Although earwax build-up can cause hearing loss, it is important not to assume that wax is the cause. In some cases, sudden hearing loss may be due to Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL), a condition that requires urgent medical assessment and prompt treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve the chances of recovery. Anyone who experiences a sudden change in their hearing should have their ears examined as soon as possible to determine the underlying cause and ensure the most appropriate treatment is provided. If you would like to learn more about Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL) click here.