What is Earwax? Why is it happening to me?

Dr. Gokhan Guvener

Acupuncturist,

Otorhinolaryngologist-Head and Neck Surgeon

Tel: 07521 195818

https://www.instagram.com/drgokhanguvener?

Earwax is a natural secretion produced by our body. It has no direct relation to cleanliness and meticulousness.

Earwax is actually a part of our outer ear skin’s self-cleaning system. It consists of a mixture of sweat and sebaceous glands secretions on the ear skin, together with the old superficial layers of skin that have expired and poured into the ear canal. By forming a protective layer towards the outer part of the ear canal, it partially prevents foreign substances from escaping inward and also prevents the growth of bacteria and fungi with the substances it contains.

Normally, earwax, which is thrown out in very small pieces by the migration of the ear canal skin from the inside out and the jaw movements, is present in every person and does not cause any problem. There is no need for cleaning or operation for a natural wax that self-cleans itself.

Some people have excessive production of earwax or a disorder in the self-cleaning mechanism. The reason for this is not fully explained. According to statistics, such a problem can be seen in 5 to 10% of people.

In this case, an excessive amount of earwax blocks the outer ear canal and can cause various symptoms. Complaints such as hearing loss, pain, sense of blockage in the ears, and humming are the most common. Sometimes earwax may be one of the underlying factors in complaints such as a dry cough without any reason and mild dizziness. Sometimes, ears clogged with cerumen may swell after swimming and showering, contact with water, and suddenly start to show symptoms.

The people who go to the doctor regularly and have their ears cleaned are just those in these groups.

It should not be forgotten that such findings can be seen in many other serious ear diseases as well as earwax accumulation, and you should get examined by a doctor in the presence of such complaints.

It is not the correct approach to insert cotton swabs or other items into the ear canal. While it may look like some cerumen has been removed from the tip of the cotton, most of it is actually pushed inward. Besides, the risk of damaging the outer ear canal and eardrum is quite high.

Various methods are used to clean and wipe out earwax. Hard dry cerumen can be wiped out with the help of instruments called a curette. Softer cerumen can be removed with an aspirator or with a method called “washing” with warm water and a special syringe. The application of softening drops may be necessary for several days if the earwax is too large and is blocking the channel completely.

Although earwax is not seen as a major health problem, it is the most common cause of conductive hearing loss. Since this disorder tends to recur constantly, the wax will accumulate again at regular intervals and will lead to recurrent symptoms. In other words, generally, it is wrongly believed that it was cleaned once in a way, that is not the reason for repetitions.