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Cerumen or earwax buildup is a normal biological reaction occurring in the ear.
Composition
- The earwax contains cell debris from the skin of the ear canal (desquamated sheets of corneocytes) mixed with glandular secretions and Keratin.
Functions
- Earwax is a by-product of desquamated epithelium with lubricant properties that facilitate self-cleansing of the ear.
- The wax helps trap dirt, and repel water, thus protecting the inner ear and the delicate skin lining the inner ear.
- Conventionally cerumen was believed to prevent external and middle ear fungal and bacterial infections; however, there is a lack of research data to support this view.
Impacted cerumen
- Although earwax has protective actions, excessive buildup may block the entire ear canal, a condition called impacted earwax.
If left untreated, the earwax may lead to complications. Hence, prompt medical intervention is recommended.
Symptoms of Impacted Earwax
- Blocked ear
- Ear pain
- Reduced hearing
- Ringing sensation in ears (uncommon)
One should note that impacted earwax can cause one or many of the above symptoms. It doesn’t necessarily mean that impacted earwax is the only cause for a person to experience these symptoms. Several other conditions present with similar symptoms and require diagnosis by clinical examination.
Removal of Impacted Cerumen
First and foremost, ear wax is a normal substance produced in the ear. It helps in self-cleaning the ear and does not need removal unless necessary. It is highly not recommended to remove ear wax by using earbuds. Earbuds disturb the self-cleansing mechanism of the ear and may result in injury of the delicate skin of the ear canal injury or harm the eardrum.
It's recommended to visit an ENT doctor if a person has any symptoms about the ear. Your doctor would recommend the removal of accumulated ear wax if they think it is blocking their examination, and removing it can help them diagnose the root cause per se.
There are multiple methods to remove impacted cerumen. Usually, it is done comfortably after the application of wax-softening ear drops for a while.
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Syringing: by using lukewarm water under pressure i.e., by squirting it inside with the help of a syringe, your doctor will remove cerumen from the ear. Some people may experience a bit of dizziness and cough during the procedure which is expected to a certain extent. If the dizziness is a bit on an uncomfortable level, the procedure will be stopped immediately.
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Suctioning: Scutioning involves using negative pressure (works like a mini vacuum cleaner) to clear the accumulated cerumen. Here, a small metal tube connected to a suction apparatus is inserted inside the ear canal to pull out the accumulated cerumen. Similar to syringing, some may experience a bit of dizziness and cough.
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Probing: Probing involves scooping out the impacted earwax by inserting a small metal probe. This will be more efficient when the wax is a bit hard in consistency. Some people may experience minimal discomfort, cough, and dizziness with this procedure as well.
FAQ's
It’s highly not recommended. But, if you have a history of frequent wax accumulation and need removal, you can use wax softening agents before consulting your doctor (according to their advice).
Generally, the earwax is very minimal in quantity and does not require removal. However, wax removal is indicated if it gets hardened and completely blocks the ear canal.
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Frequent wax accumulation happens when the self-cleansing mechanism of the ear is disturbed by probing the ear with earbuds frequently or by using earphones for a very prolonged period every day. Refraining from frequent ear probing can help reduce the wax buildup.
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In cases with people with very narrow ear canals, wax gets accumulates due to the structural difference. They have to visit the doctor regularly and get it cleaned, they can also use wax-softening ear drops to prevent hardening of cerumen.
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