Earwax is a natural substance that helps protect our ears from dust, dirt, and bacteria. It’s produced by glands in the ear canal, and while most people will experience some level of earwax buildup, some may find they produce more than others. But why is that? In this article, we’ll explore why some people produce more earwax, what causes earwax buildup, and how you can safely remove it.
The Role of Earwax
Earwax, also known as cerumen, is essential for ear health. It traps dirt, dust, and other foreign particles, preventing them from entering the ear canal and reaching the eardrum. Additionally, earwax has antibacterial and antifungal properties that help prevent infections. The production of earwax is a natural process, and in most cases, it is self-clearing, meaning it moves out of the ear naturally. If you are living around the Gerrards Cross or Slough area, ear wax removal is easily accessible. Aroga Pharmacy offers professional services to help manage earwax buildup.
Why Do Some People Produce More Earwax?
For some people, earwax can accumulate and cause problems. This is often due to a combination of factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and health conditions.
Genetics
The amount of earwax a person produces is largely influenced by genetics. Some people are naturally predisposed to produce more earwax than others. This can be due to the number of earwax-producing glands in the ear canal, which vary from person to person. If your parents or grandparents had issues with earwax buildup, there’s a good chance you might experience it as well.
Ear Shape and Size
The shape and size of your ear canal can also play a role in earwax production. People with smaller or more curved ear canals may find that earwax is less likely to naturally make its way out of the ear. As a result, it can accumulate and lead to buildup over time. In contrast, individuals with larger or straighter ear canals may experience fewer problems with earwax buildup.
Skin Type
The type of skin you have can also impact earwax production. People with oily skin are more likely to produce excess earwax. The oiliness of the skin can stimulate the glands in the ear canal, leading to an increase in earwax production. On the other hand, individuals with dry skin may produce less earwax, but their earwax may be drier and harder, making it more difficult to remove.
Use of Earphones and Hearing Aids
If you frequently use earphones or wear hearing aids, you may be at a higher risk of developing earwax buildup. These devices can push earwax deeper into the ear canal, preventing it from naturally exiting the ear. The pressure from earphones and hearing aids can also lead to irritation and increased earwax production.
Age
As we age, the glands that produce earwax may become less efficient. Older adults may find that their earwax becomes drier and harder, making it more likely to build up in the ear canal. Additionally, older people may have more frequent ear infections, which can increase earwax production as the body tries to protect the ear from bacteria.
Health Conditions and Medications
Certain health conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, or allergies, can cause the skin in the ear canal to become inflamed. This inflammation can lead to an overproduction of earwax. Similarly, some medications, like antihistamines or decongestants, can dry out the ear canal and lead to harder earwax that is more difficult to remove.
What Happens When Earwax Builds Up?
Earwax buildup can lead to several issues, including:
- Hearing Loss: When earwax accumulates, it can block the ear canal and prevent sound waves from reaching the eardrum, leading to temporary hearing loss.
- Ear Pain: A buildup of earwax can cause discomfort or pain in the ear.
- Infections: If earwax traps bacteria or fungi in the ear canal, it can lead to infections.
- Tinnitus: In some cases, earwax buildup can cause ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
How to Safely Remove Earwax
If you notice symptoms of earwax buildup, such as hearing loss or ear pain, it’s important to remove the excess wax safely. Here are some tips for cleaning earwax:
- Avoid Cotton Swabs: While it may seem tempting to use cotton swabs to clean your ears, they can push the wax deeper into the ear canal and cause further issues.
- Use Over-the-Counter Ear Drops: You can buy ear drops from the pharmacy to soften the wax and help it naturally move out of the ear.
- Visit a Professional: If you’re unsure how to safely remove earwax or if you’re experiencing severe buildup, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional for earwax removal in Slough or nearby areas. Techniques such as ear microsuction can be a safe and effective method of removing excess earwax.
Experience Effective Earwax Removal – Book Now for a Clearer Tomorrow
Everyone’s body is different, and some people naturally produce more earwax than others. Genetics, lifestyle, and even ear shape can all influence how much earwax is produced. While earwax is essential for ear health, excessive buildup can lead to discomfort and hearing problems.
If you are living around the Gerrards Cross or Slough area and are concerned about earwax buildup, Aroga Pharmacy at Farnham Common offers safe and professional earwax removal services. Book an appointment today for expert advice and earwax cleaning tailored to your needs.