What is Earwax?
Earwax is a waxy substance hidden in the ear canal and mostly brown, yellow, or orange in color. Earwax defends the skin of the ear canal and helps in cleaning and greasing which protects against water, fungi, or bacteria. Earwax is also called cerumen in medical terms.
What are the Symptoms of Earwax?
The symptoms of Earwax consist of reduced hearing, light-headedness, ear soreness, plugged or fullness sensation, clanging in the ear and cough.
What are the Causes of Earwax?
The problems from earwax are mostly related to blockage or impaction which happens when the wax gets shoved deep inside the ear. The blockage due to earwax is a very common ear problem. It is seen that the main cause of impaction is the usage of cotton swabs. That may eliminate the cursory wax, but it pushes the rest of the wax deeper into the ear channel. Also, individuals who use hearing aids or earplugs are more susceptible to earwax obstruction.
When to see a Doctor?
Blockage due to earwax should not be ignored. The symptoms may be like other serious conditions; hence a thorough check-up is important if you develop any symptoms like earwax impaction. Understand your serious symptoms, such as severe spinning sensation, loss of balance, persistent vomiting, high fever, and most importantly sudden loss of hearing. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, immediately visit a doctor.
Lifestyle Prevention of Earwax
- You cannot prevent the amount of earwax you produce, nor can you widen your ear channels. But some measures can be taken to minimize the prevalence of wax build-up in your ear.
- Using a wax softener helps you clean up the ear channel. The drops and oils to soften your wax are available. Avoid using cotton buds to clean up your ear canals. Also do not use fingertips as any item pushed hooked on the ear can compact the wax. Also, restricting the ear cleaning to the outer part of the ear is important.
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