The glands in your ear canal naturally secrete wax. It helps protect your ear canal from foreign particles, such as dust and microorganisms. The ear canals have an antibacterial and self-cleansing property by which earwax, dust and skin cells migrate from the eardrum to outside your body. If the ears do not self-cleanse properly or if an excess amount of wax is produced, the result is a wax buildup. When the wax accumulates and becomes too hard to be cleansed, it becomes a problem.
Hearing Problem
Earwax buildup is one of the common causes of hearing loss. A little wax wedged between the eardrum and canal can make your ear feel plugged or full. The wax can block the outer ear. This will prevent sound from reaching the eardrum and cause a loss in your hearing. Sometimes wax in the outer part of the ear canal can get deep and become impacted. This happens when you push the wax inside with ear buds, fingers or pins in an attempt to remove it. This will occlude your hearing. According to the Mayo clinic, it is best to see your doctor if you are experiencing the symptoms of wax blockage and have him remove the wax.
Pain
Deep wax lying against the eardrum can cause pain in your ears. Hard wax can put pressure on the sensitive ear canal. Your doctor will use a special microscope to clean the wax out. Removal of wax cures the pain and hearing loss, according to University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics.
Ringing Sound
Excess wax can lead to ringing or buzzing sounds in your ear. Wax buildup blocks the normal environmental sounds and can make the head noises seem louder. It hence makes you more aware of these sounds.
Other Symptoms
Wax can be dry or wet. A dry, flaky wax can lead to an itchy feeling in your ears.
Wet, soft wax can lead to a golden brown or yellow-colored discharge from your ears. Coughing or a tickling sensation in the throat can occur because the ear canal shares the same nerves as the throat. Wax can occasionally lead to a dizzy feeling.
Those who use hearing aids will need to clear the wax frequently. This is because the ear mold (part of the hearing aid) prevents the wax from moving out of the canal. The sound is blocked, and the hearing aid will not be as effective.
