Earwax (or cerumen) is a sticky substance secreted by the ear to keep the delicate skin in the ear canal hydrated and protected from dust and scratches. It’s completely natural, but if you develop excess earwax or wear hearing aids, earwax can build up in the ear canal and become impacted.
What Are the Effects of Impacted Earwax?
If you have a buildup of excessive earwax in your ear, it can cause some of the following symptoms:
- A feeling of fullness in the ear
- Earache or pain
- Itchy ears
- Tinnitus
- Muffled hearing
- Hearing loss
- Dizziness
What Causes Earwax to Become Impacted?
Anyone can experience impacted earwax, but some factors may raise the likelihood of impaction:
- Natural production of excess earwax (some people secrete more earwax than others, and that’s perfectly normal)
- Lots of ear hair
- Hearing aids or frequently wearing ear buds
- Inserting cotton swabs or other items into your ear
Did you notice that last one? Inserting cotton swabs into your ears can cause earwax impaction. You should never use cotton swabs to clean your ears. Doing so will actually push earwax deeper into the ear canal, causing buildup.
How to Safely Clean Your Ears
To clean your ears, wash them using a warm washcloth. Wipe the entrance of the ear canal to remove all earwax that has already shed from the ear canal. You do not need to insert the washcloth, your finger or a cotton swab into your ear.
Generally, however, it is unnecessary to clean your ears. Your ears are self-cleaning. Moving your jaw while talking and chewing will naturally dislodge earwax from the ear canal, and water running over your ears in the shower is enough to rinse it away.
How to Remove Earwax in the Event of Earwax Impaction
If you’re experiencing impacted earwax, you can treat it at home with over-the-counter earwax softening drops. Lie down on your side with your head on a towel, with the ear you’re cleaning facing up. Add the softening drops as directed and let the solution sit for a few minutes. Once the time is up, hold a tissue or towel under your ear and sit up, allowing the solution and loose earwax to run out of your ears.
If that doesn’t work, or if you’re experiencing severe pain or hearing loss, you should see a hearing healthcare professional to remove the earwax professionally. The provider will use a microscope to examine the ear canal, specialized tools to loosen the wax and then a vacuum to remove it.
If you’re experiencing ear pain due to earwax impaction, or if you’re seeking more information about earwax, please contact Collin County ENT. We would be happy to provide more information and schedule an appointment.