Ear Wax Removal

What is earwax buildup?

Your ear drum produces a waxy oil called cerumen, which is more commonly known as earwax. This wax moves along the ear canal protecting the ear from dust, pollen, noise, foreign particles, and micro-organisms. It also protects ear canal skin from irritation due to water, and it removes dead skin cells from the ear canal. In normal circumstances, excess wax naturally finds its way out of the canal and into the ear opening, by the peristaltic action created as we speak, chew and yawn, and then it is washed away, as we bathe and shower.

Wax is made in response to your individual environment and circumstances, therefore, exposure to excessive dust, pollen or noise may lead to excessive wax production. This may get hard and block the ear, causing pressure and a feeling that the ear is obstructed. 

Wax build up is a common reason for altered hearing ability and temporary hearing loss.

If you suspect that you have a build up of earwax, it is best to check before commencing any treatment at home, because other ear conditions can cause  similar symptoms, and need to be treated differently. If the problem persists, visit a professional. Treatment is generally quick and painless, and hearing can be fully restored.

Causes of earwax buildup

Some people are more prone to produce excessive earwax. Earwax is produced in response to your environment and certain circumstances. Most people will get rid of any wax produced naturally, but for some people, the wax remains in the ear canal. This tends to be those with small, narrow ear canals, hearing aid users, and people using hearing protection at work.

The most common cause of earwax blockage is using cotton buds, or other objects in your ear canal, which just push wax deeper, creating an impacted blockage, and putting yourself at risk of perforating the eardrum.

You’re also more likely to have excessive wax if you frequently use earphones and headsets, or listen to music for longer than an hour per day. The noise levels that close to the ear can stimulate the wax production to protect your ear from damage, and can also inadvertently prevent earwax from coming out of the ear canals.

The appearance of earwax varies from light yellow to dark brown. Darker colors don’t necessarily indicate that there’s a blockage.

Signs of earwax buildup include:

• sudden or partial hearing loss, which is usually temporary
• tinnitus, which is a ringing or buzzing in the ear
• a feeling of fullness in the ear
• earache

Unremoved earwax buildup can lead to infection. Contact your doctor if you experience the symptoms of infection, such as:

• severe pain in your ear
• pain in your ear that doesn’t subside
• drainage from your ear
• fever
• coughing
• persistent hearing loss
• an odour coming from your ear
• dizziness

It’s important to note that hearing loss, dizziness, and earaches also have many other causes. See a professional if any of these symptoms are frequent. A full evaluation can help determine whether the problem is due to excess earwax or another health issue entirely.