by Thomas A. Powers, PhD
Earwax by any other name is just cerumen, the medical term for that waxy secretion we all have in our ears. Ear wax is an important part of the overall health of our outer ears. Not only does the secretion coat our ear canals from drying out, but it also catches dirt, germs, insects, and dead skin cells and moves them away from the sensitive eardrum and towards the opening of the ear. This outward movement is assisted by jaw movements such as chewing and swallowing which help move the earwax along the ear canal.
Producing wax is the natural cleansing process of the ear, so unless you experience issues like feeling clogged up, you do not need to take action. However, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, about 1 in 20 adults and about one-third of all seniors experience a buildup of wax that may require removal by a health professional. As we get older, the wax in the ear canal gets drier and harder, making it more difficult for the wax to move out of the ear canal on its own. Individuals with smaller ear canals may also be more prone to wax build-up. When earwax is unable to move properly, it can result in pain, discomfort, and difficulty hearing.
The best way to check if you have excessive earwax and build-up is by visiting an appropriate healthcare professional as they have special tools and techniques to view your ear canal, confirm that there are no other medical issues that need to be addressed, and safely remove earwax. These professionals can remove excess wax with a small, curved tool called a curet or with suction techniques.
For home care, you should always remember this helpful tip when cleaning your ears, “Don’t put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear”.
It is tempting to try to clean the wax with a cotton swab, but you may end up pushing the wax further into the ear canal and impacting it in your ear. If you do produce a lot of earwax, there are softening agents available, such as over-the-counter ear drops, that may be used with the guidance of your physician, pharmacist, or licensed hearing care professional. It is very important to follow label instructions pertaining to appropriate use, red flag conditions, and other important information. Some ear drops come with a dropper and you tilt your head to allow the fluid and buildup to flow out; others come with a rubber bulb syringe to help flush out the wax. Appropriate water temperature is also important as a solution that is too cool or too hot may cause dizziness. It’s always good practice to avoid sticking things in your ear, so also avoid inserting the bulb syringe too far into the ear canal. It should just fit far enough into the ear canal to direct the solution into the ear canal to avoid pushing the wax further into the canal or injuring the ear drum. Only use ear cleaning agents as directed by your healthcare professional and follow their instructions on how often to maintain your ears either by an office visit or by the use of drops.
Our ears house incredible, tiny structures that allow us to listen to and communicate with the world around us. It’s not something we think about often, but our hearing plays a big role in our physical and mental well-being. It’s important that we practice best care in order to preserve our sense of hearing throughout life. To learn more about hearing health, visit our What to Know webpage.
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