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Earwax blockageThis normal and natural substance can sometimes become impactedEven though earwax has its benefits, blockages can occur, particularly if you tend to have dry, hard earwax. If you develop a sensation of stuffiness in your ears and suspect earwax is the culprit, here's what to keep in mind: If you have earwax blockageWhat to do
What not to do
Signs you may have impacted earwaxNot sure if you have impacted earwax? Here are some signs to look out for:
Why cleaning deep in your ears can cause problemsMany people think you're supposed to clean your ear canals regularly, using things like cotton swabs. But this is almost always unnecessary and may cause more harm than good. Anytime you insert a finger or small object into your ear, you risk wedging earwax back into the skin, where it can harden and become problematic. This can even affecting your hearing, according to an article by hearing instrument specialist, Max Stanley Chartrand, PhD. The more you remove, the more your body will makeWhen you make a habit of removing earwax, that sends a signal to your body to make more, creating an excess which can interfere with hearing, put you at greater risk for developing ear infections and other complications. How to safely clean your earsWhile your ears are self-cleaning, there are a few things you can do to keep them clean and free of excess debris:
What is earwax?Earwax, known medically as cerumen, is a naturally occurring sticky substance in the outer ear. Earwax contains oil and sweat mixed with dirt and dead skin cells. Why do people have earwax?Earwax is natural and helpfulIt’s hard to believe something so unappealing can be so important to your ears' good health, yet being sticky and smelly is exactly why a normal amount of ear wax is beneficial. Consider these attributes:
Hearing aids and earwaxProfessionally fitted hearing aids come with wax guards to keep wax from accumulating in your device. They need to be changed out regularly, usually monthly. Also, it's important to clean your hearing aids daily. Always use a professional kit with tools made for your hearing aids, and not objects found around the home. Most kits come with a wax pick or wire loop for removing wax and debris. Your earwax says a lot about youAlthough most everyone’s ears produce earwax, that’s where the similarity ends. Its composition varies from person to person, depending on their ethnicity, environment, age and diet. Two types of earwaxThere are two primary types of earwax—wet and dry:
Normal earwax colorsEven the color of your cerumen can say a lot about you:
Diabetes and earwaxInterestingly, the pH of earwax in people with diabetes tends to be less acidic, according to practice guidelines published by the American Association of Family Physicians. This makes it less protective against germs, meaning people with diabetes should take extra care with their ears because they are at higher risk of ear infections. Earwax super-producersStress and fear can accelerate earwax production. Others who have a tendency to produce too much earwax include those:
Earwax removal near youMany hearing care professionals can remove troublesome earwax. Search our directory to find a provider near you who offers this service. Debbie Clason, staff writer, Healthy HearingDebbie Clason holds a master's degree from Indiana University. Her impressive client list includes financial institutions, real estate developers, physicians, pharmacists and nonprofit organizations. Read more about Debbie. |
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