The ears have glands that produce a yellowish waxy substance called cerumen. The purpose of ear wax is to coat the ears to protect them from injury and to help fight off infections. The ears go through a regular process of producing wax, which naturally dries out, flakes and falls out of the ear. However, sometimes too much wax builds up in the ear, and cause a blockage. If this occurs, it is important to seek medical attention and not try to self-clean the ears.
Self-Cleaning
If someone uses cotton swabs or other devices to clean the ears, they may do more harm than good. Self-cleaning of the ears may just end up pushing the wax in deeper, rather than cleaning it out, warns the American Academy of Otolaryngology. Self cleaning also can cause physical damage to the eardrum and other structures in the ear.
The first step is to speak with a physician to determine if the ears need to be cleaned. Cleaning the ears of wax is usually only necessary when the wax buildup causes symptoms. If this is the case, there are special kits and procedures that should be used.
This may include applying drops of warm water or certain kinds of oil into the ears to help soften the wax. This is followed by tipping the head to help the fluid and wax to run out on its own and then fully drying the ear. It is never advisable to clean the ears by sticking swabs or other objects into them.
Cerumen Impaction
While the exact cause remains unknown, the glands in the ears sometimes produce too much cerumen, or ear wax, which causes a condition called cerumen impaction. This can lead to blockages, and in severe cases, hearing loss. The NYU Langone Medical Center says this requires medical attention to correctly clean and flush the ears.
There are various instruments and procedures that can help to safely remove the wax. It is important to consult a health care provider, because some of the symptoms of cerumen impaction such as dizziness, itchy ears, painful ears, ringing in the ears or haring loss, can also be symptoms of many other health problems. A physician can perform an examination to determine the cause of the symptoms and the best treatment approach.
Structural Abnormalities and Age
Individuals born with abnormally shaped or narrow ear canals have a higher risk of ear wax buildup, because the wax is inhibited from naturally falling out. In addition, with age, the ear wax naturally becomes drier, which may also raise the risk. In these situations, it is necessary to get regular professional cleanings to avoid further damage to the ears.
Hearing Aids and Ear Plugs
Patients who wear hearing aids, ear plugs or headphones that insert into the ears also have an increased risk, since these devices may block the natural cleaning cycle of the ears and push the wax in further. For these patients, a physician may recommend cleaning the outside of the ears with a soft warm cloth.
