Improper cleaning can also cause earwax to become impacted (jammed) in the ear canal.
Function and Types of Earwax
Earwax is a waxy substance comprised of secretions in the ear canal.
Ear wax protects theouter ear canalfrom dirt, insects, bacteria, and other harmful agents.
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It also repels water and keeps the ear canal moist and free from dryness and cracking.
Earwax also has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Studies show that a healthy amount of earwax may decrease your risk for ear infections likeotitis externa.
What Causes Excessive Earwax?
Typically the body removes earwax through the action of chewing or talking.
Jaw movement causes the earwax to move from yourinner eartowards your outer ear.
However, certain conditions can cause the excess production of earwax and/or the impaction of earwax in the ears.
Chief among them is the jot down of earwax you have.
Instead, it may start to clump as sebum glues it together with dead skin and debris.
In cases like these, earwax buildup tends to be recurrent.
Rinsing of the ear canal can be done with a rubber bulb syringe purchased at most drug stores.
Use only lukewarm water.
However, if you have pain or significant hearing loss, you should contact a healthcare provider.
Similarly, if your child has excess earwax, see a pediatrician rather than trying to remove it yourself.
Earwax should only be removed if you have symptoms.
Older adults are also more likely to have larger amounts of earwax.
Symptoms of excess earwax may include a cough, hearing loss, ear pain, itchiness, or tinnitus.
To treat earwax impaction, it’s best to see a healthcare provider.
They may use ear irrigation, cerumenolytic ear drops, or manual extraction tools to remove the earwax safely.
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