Understanding Earwax

What is EARWAX occlusion?

Ear wax occlusion, or ear wax impaction, occurs when earwax (cerumen) builds up in the ear canal to the point where it causes symptoms or blocked sensation. Normally, earwax is produced by glands in the ear canal to protect and clean the ear by trapping dirt and slowing the growth of bacteria. However, sometimes it can accumulate excessively, leading to blockage.

Common symptoms of earwax occlusion include:

• Hearing loss
• Earache or discomfort due to pressure
• A sensation of fullness or blocked sensation in the ear
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
• Dizziness

Treatment often involves removing the excess earwax. At Simply Hearing, our specialist, uses Microsuction (Ear vacuuming) technique or manual removal in rare cases. It is not recommended to use cotton swabs or other objects to remove earwax, as this can push it further into the ear canal and cause damage.

What causes Excessive earwax?

1. Overproduction of Earwax: Some people naturally produce more earwax than others. This can be influenced by genetics, age, and individual body chemistry.

2. Narrow or Hairy Ear Canals: Individuals with naturally narrow or hairy/bendy ear canals may experience more frequent wax buildup because the wax has a harder time moving out of the ear.

3. Use of Hearing Aids or Earplugs: These devices can prevent earwax from naturally leaving the ear canal, leading to a buildup.

4. Frequent Use of Earphones or Earbuds: Like hearing aids, earphones can trap earwax in the ear canal, causing accumulation.

5. Certain Health Conditions: Skin conditions like eczema, infections, or ear canal abnormalities can lead to increased wax production or prevent normal earwax drainage.

6. Cleaning Practices: Ironically, attempting to clean the ears with cotton swabs or other objects can push wax deeper into the ear canal, leading to impaction. The ear has a self-cleaning mechanism that can be disrupted by excessive cleaning.

7. Aging: As people age, the earwax tends to become drier and harder, which can lead to accumulation and impaction.

In many cases, excessive earwax is not harmful and at Simply Hearing we help you manage your excessive earwax. 

How does ear self-clean? And how does earwax migrate/move in the ear canal? 

Earwax naturally migrates out of the ear canal through a process that involves the body’s natural movements and the ear’s anatomy. This self-cleaning mechanism helps prevent earwax buildup and impaction. Here is how it works:

1. Production and Secretion: Earwax is produced by glands in the skin lining the outer part of the ear canal. It protects your ear by trapping dust, debris, and microorganisms, preventing them from reaching the eardrum.

2. Natural Movement: The ear canal is lined with tiny hair-like structures called cilia. These cilia help move the earwax and trapped particles toward the outer ear. The movement is facilitated by regular activities such as chewing and talking, which create small motions in the jaw and ear canal, aiding the migration process. 

3. Drying and Flaking: As the earwax moves toward the outer ear, it gradually dries and becomes flaky. This drier wax can then easily fall out of the ear or be washed away during regular bathing or cleaning of the outer ear.

4. Ejection: The wax, along with any trapped debris, eventually reaches the entrance of the ear canal, where it can either naturally fall out or be gently wiped away. 

This natural cleaning process works well for most people. However, certain factors like excessive earwax production, narrow or curved ear canals, or frequent use of earplugs or hearing aids can disrupt this process and lead to buildup. Or imagine using cotton buds to clean your ears and this can potentially damage or scrap off the cilia or tinny hairs in your ears which helps with ear’s natural migration of earwax. In such cases, intervention may be necessary to remove the excess wax.