Wax Build-up | Understanding the Issue

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Why does ear wax build up?

Ear wax builds up when the self-cleaning process in your ear is disrupted. If wax builds up, it can become impacted (hard). Some people are born with narrow ear canals or their ear canal may have an abnormal shape, which can get in the way of the ear's natural self-cleaning process.

What is ear wax?

Ear wax is wax that is and made by tiny glands in your ear canal. Ear wax is an important part of a normal functioning ear, and plays an important role in keeping your ears clean and healthy. The ear wax that you see is a mix of wax, skin cells and dirt. Ear wax is also known as cerumen.

Why is ear wax important?

This means that ear wax actually protects the ear canal and lubricates the skin to stop dry, itchy irritation that might develop. Sometimes, excess ear wax can harden causing blockages or build-ups that may affect your hearing. How do you recognise ear wax build-up?

How to remove earwax buildup?

Another way to remove earwax buildup is by irrigating the ear. Never attempt to irrigate your ear if you have an ear injury or have had a medical procedure done on your ear. Irrigation of a ruptured eardrum could cause hearing loss or infection. Never use products that were made for irrigating your mouth or teeth.

Do you have ear wax build-up?

Ear wax build-up can affect anyone. Although those who have narrow ear canals or wear hearing aids may be more likely to have ear wax build-up. If you’ve noticed hearing loss or ear pain and aren’t sure what’s causing it, see your GP. Your GP can look inside your ears to see if your symptoms are due to a build-up of ear wax or something else.

Is earwax build-up normal?

Earwax is normal. It protects the inner ear from water and infection. Sometimes, however, the wax builds up and leads to a blockage (impaction). In some cases, the wax build-up falls out by itself without any treatment. At other times, the build-up needs treatment. WHAT CAUSES AN EARWAX BUILD-UP?

What is ear wax & why is it important?

Ear wax is an important part of a normal functioning ear, and plays an important role in keeping your ears clean and healthy. The ear wax that you see is a mix of wax, skin cells and dirt. Ear wax is also known as cerumen. Ear wax build-up is not a medical condition unless it causes symptoms.

What Is Wax Build-up

1. https://www.healthline.com/health/earwax-buildup
2. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/ear-wax
3. https://www.verywellhealth.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-ear-wax-1192043
4. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14428-ear-wax-buildup--blockage
5. https://www.connecthearing.com.au/blog/hearing-health/ear-wax/
6. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/ear-wax
7. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/earwax-blockage/symptoms-causes/syc-20353004
8. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/ear-wax
9. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/earwax-build-up/

Wax Build-up Information

1. https://eyeandear.org.au/patients-visitors/fact-sheets/ear-wax/
2. https://patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth/hearing-problems/earwax
3. https://www.safercare.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2019-07/Earwax.pdf
4. https://rnid.org.uk/information-and-support/ear-health/common-ear-conditions/ear-wax-build-up/