Ear wax naturally migrates out of the ear, but sometimes ear wax becomes trapped, causing ear wax buildup. Ringing in the ears, progressive hearing loss and dizziness are some of the symptoms that may occur when wax builds up in the ears. Managing ear wax buildup depends on treatment, but also depends on finding what the underlying causes are.
Stress
According to the Audiology Awareness Campaign (AAC), stress may cause a large amount of wax production. Stress includes emotional states such as pain, anxiety, fear and aggravation. Further, the AAC suggests that certain medications for treating emotional disorders can cause extra wax production. People suffering from depression or other emotional disorders may neglect regular cleansing routines, further contributing to the accumulation and buildup of ear wax.
Loud Sounds
Loud sounds put pressure on the ear, and the ears produce more ear wax to protect the delicate eardrum. Fireworks, gunshots and thunder are some of the sounds that can cause an ear perforation. When an ear perforation occurs, wax migrates further into the ear canal where it cannot migrate out of the ear. Additionally, wax buildup in the inner ear can cause inner ear infections, which also causes more wax production.
Hearing Instruments
Audio equipment can cause more wax production, especially devices that plug into the ear canal. Audio equipment includes headphones, earplugs, hearing aids and other hearing devices. Additionally, incoming sounds that are so close to the eardrum put unnatural pressure on the ear, causing the sebaceous glands--the glands that produce ear wax--to make more wax for protecting the ear's delicate environment.
Cleaning Tools
Cotton swabs, hairpins and other tools placed in the ear can push the ear wax further into the ear canal, where wax cannot migrate out of the ear. Inner ear infections often stem from wax pushed into the inner ear from cleansing tools or devices. Dr. Hoffman, author of "The Consumer's Medical Advocate," recommends using two drops of mineral oil in each ear twice a week to prevent ear wax buildup instead of using cotton swabs or other tools.
Ear Candling
Ear candling is an alternative cleaning method used for removing ear wax buildup. Ironically, ear candling can contribute to the buildup of ear wax, and the candling method may cause burns or tissue damage. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there are no controlled studies or any evidence that supports the effectiveness or safety of candling products for use of removing ear wax. Candling products leave behind residue in the ear. More wax production occurs to remove the residue and debris left behind from the candling method.
