Earwax Build-up — What Does it Mean?

The ear canal produces an oily substance called cerumen. The common name for cerumen is earwax.

Photo by kyle smith on Unsplash

The wax in your ears protects them from foreign particles, microorganisms, and dust. Earwax also protects the skin of your ear canal from irritation (caused by water). Under normal and healthy conditions, excess wax falls out of the ear canal into the ear’s opening and is washed out.

Sometimes, the glands that produce cerumen may produce more earwax than usual. When this happens, the wax may build-up and block your hearing. In addition, when attempting to clean your ears, you may accidentally push the wax deeper into the ear canal, causing a blockage.

Wax buildup is one of the most common causes of temporary hearing loss.

You must apply great caution when treating earwax build-up. Consult your healthcare provider if the problem fails to resolve. Treatment for earwax build-up is usually painless and quick, and you can have your hearing fully restored.

What causes a build-up of earwax?

Some people are prone to excess earwax. But excess earwax does not necessarily cause blockage of the ear canal. Instead, most earwax blockage is caused during attempts to remove the wax. For example, using bobby pins, cotton swabs (Q-tips), or other objects…