Earwax may seem unpleasant, but it serves a vital role. Different people produce it in different amounts, colours and textures, but in all cases its primary purpose is to clean and protect the ear. Sometimes, however, it can also cause problems.
What Exactly Is Earwax?
Two different types of gland in your outer ear canal are involved in creating earwax. The first are sweat glands known as ceruminous glands, which produce a substance called cerumen. Cerumen is also a medical term for earwax. The second are sebaceous glands, producing oily sebum. Cerumen and sebum combine into a sticky, waxy substance that is most often yellow in colour. It may also be various shades of brown, orange or grey. The texture can vary between wet and dry.
What Is Its Purpose?
Dust, dirt, hair, dead skin cells and other particulates can accumulate in the ear, interfering with your hearing and potentially causing harm. As earwax travels outwards from the ear canal, it traps these substances. Most earwax falls out of or is washed from the ear and in the process expels all of these particulates. Earwax also prevents the inside of your ear from becoming too dry and protects against bacteria.
Can It Cause Any Problems?
Sometimes we produce too much earwax. It may block the passage of sound whilst causing dizziness, pain, itching and other discomfort. It can lead to tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, and may put you at more risk of developing an ear infection.
You should not try to remove earwax with cotton buds, but you may be able to loosen it so it falls out naturally with the help of water or olive oil ear drops. If this proves unsuccessful, you may need to visit an audiologist Taunton, such as those at https://www.imperialhearing.com/audiologist-near-me/taunton, to discuss potential treatments such as irrigation or microsuction.
Most of the time, earwax is just a natural substance playing its part in the regular functioning of your body. In those cases where it does start to cause discomfort or interfere with your hearing, you may need to consult a professional.