Understanding Ear Wax: Its Purpose, Nature, and Safe Removal
Ear wax, or its formal name cerumen, is a natural substance produced by glands in the ear canal. Ear wax is normal and natural, forming in both children’s and adults’ ears alike. It can consist of a mixture of dead skin cells, hair, and secretions from the glands. Though it might seem like an inconvenience, ear wax plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of your ears. At Victorian Hearing, we can help you manage the wax in your ears.
The following explores the purpose of ear wax, its nature, and why microsuction is considered the safest method for ear wax removal when there’s an excessive build-up.
The Purpose of Ear Wax
Ear wax serves several important functions:
1. Protection: Ear wax acts as a barrier and filter protecting the delicate skin of the ear canal from dirt, dust, and other foreign particles. By trapping these particles, ear wax prevents them from reaching the eardrum and causing potential harm or infection.
2. Lubrication: The ear canal is a sensitive area and ear wax provides a natural lubrication, preventing the skin inside the ear from becoming dry and too itchy.
3. Antibacterial Properties: Ear wax has antibacterial and antifungal properties, which help to protect the ear from infections. Think of earwax as our body’s own natural antibiotics which can discourage the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi.
4. Self-Cleaning Mechanism: One of the most remarkable features of ear wax is its ability to clean itself. Wax is typically produced in the outer portion of the ear canal, where it slowly migrates out of the ear canal, and it carries with it any trapped debris. This self-cleaning mechanism ensures that the ear remains clean and healthy without the need for intervention in most cases. When our ear canal has ear hair or has produced a very large ball of wax, it can take longer to migrate out and an audiologist can intervene at this stage to remove the wax that got stuck.
The Nature of Ear Wax
Did you know that ear wax has varied appearance and texture in different people? Ear wax can range in colour, texture, and consistency, depending on factors such as age, diet, and ethnicity. At Victorian Hearing, we see earwax of all sorts in people’s ears.
Generally, ear wax can be classified into two types:
1. Wet Ear Wax: This type is usually sticky, like that of honey, ranging in colour from yellow to dark brown.
2. Dry Ear Wax: Dry ear wax tends to be flaky and lighter in colour, ranging from light grey to pale yellow.
The amount of ear wax produced also varies from person to person. Some people may naturally produce more ear wax, while others produce less. If the ear wax is very dark in colour it is typically a sign it has been sitting in our ear canals for a very long time. Usually this occurs if an individual has used cotton buds that which can push the wax further down the ear canal, disrupting the natural ear wax shedding mechanism in our ears. Cotton buds can damage the sensitive skin of the ear canal and even harm the eardrum. At Victorian Hearing, we advise against their use.
Why Microsuction Ear Wax Removal Is the Best Option
While ear wax is beneficial, it can sometimes accumulate and cause problems such as hearing loss, discomfort, ear infections, or interference with hearing aid use. In such cases, it’s important to remove the excess wax safely. Unfortunately, many common methods of ear wax removal, such as using cotton swabs or ear candles, can be harmful and are not recommended.
Microsuction is widely regarded as the safest and most effective method of ear wax removal. It allows for precision and control, where the audiologist carefully targets and removes the wax without touching the sensitive structures of the ear canal, reducing the risk of injury. It is comfortable and effective. As it is conducted under amplification, through either a head lamp or microscope, the audiologist can see exactly what they are dealing with in your sensitive ear canal. For the most part, microsuction ins fast and effective. In case of impacted wax, it may require two appointments to clear the canal after the use of a wax softening spray.
Ultimately, ear wax is an essential part of ear health, providing protection, lubrication, and a self-cleaning mechanism for the ear canal. However, when ear wax builds up and causes problems, it’s important to choose a safe and effective removal method. Microsuction stands out as the best option for ear wax removal, offering precision, comfort, and effectiveness. At Victorian Hearing, our trained audiologists can provide safe and professional ear wax removal tailored to your needs