Lantitaps and auditory health: earwax plug removal

Earwax plugs can affect auditory health by obstructing the ear canal and causing hearing loss, discomfort, and even infections.

At Ventura Medical Technologies, we understand the importance of keeping ears clean and healthy to ensure patients have optimal hearing for excellent daily activities and family and social relationships.

What is Earwax?

Earwax, known medically as cerumen, is produced in the external auditory canal, which lies between the fleshy part of the ear and the middle ear. The ceruminous and sebaceous glands in this canal secrete substances that combine to form liquid earwax. Over time, this liquid earwax solidifies and mixes with hair, dust, and epithelial cells to create the earwax conglomerate we commonly know.

Earwax plays several vital roles in maintaining ear health:

• Protection Against Infections: The acidic pH and antibacterial lipids in earwax protect against bacteria and fungi.
• Lubrication and Hydration: It keeps the ear canal moisturized, preventing irritation if water enters.
• Debris Trapping: Earwax captures dirt, dust, and other particles, preventing them from reaching and damaging the eardrum.

What are Earwax Blockages?

The external auditory canal continuously produces earwax, which typically doesn’t accumulate due to natural movements like talking, chewing, and yawning, which help it migrate out of the ear. However, this self-cleaning mechanism can fail, causing earwax to build up and form blockages. These blockages are common reasons for visits to primary care, as they can significantly reduce hearing by obstructing sound waves.

Why Do Earwax Blockages Form?

Contrary to common belief, earwax blockages aren’t due to poor hygiene. They can result from:

• Overproduction of Earwax: Excessive secretion can lead to buildup.
• Improper Cleaning: Using cotton swabs or other objects can push earwax deeper into the ear canal, compacting it against the eardrum.
• Other Factors: The use of hearing aids, narrow or deformed ear canals, previous ear surgeries, dermatological conditions, or excessive ear hair can all contribute to blockages. Age can also play a role, as earwax-producing glands may dry out and cause blockages more frequently in the elderly.

Symptoms of Earwax Blockages

Earwax buildup can cause various symptoms even if the blockage isn’t complete:

• Feeling of a Foreign Body: A sensation of something moving in the ear, especially while chewing.
• Tinnitus: Ringing or buzzing in the ear.
• Earache: Pain in the ear.
• Itching and Dizziness: General discomfort and balance issues.
• Hearing Loss: Sudden hearing loss, especially when water enters the ear, is more common in summer due to frequent swimming. Even large blockages might not significantly affect hearing if a small gap allows sound to pass through.

For those with pre-existing hearing issues or who use hearing aids, earwax blockages can exacerbate communication difficulties, leading to isolation.

Treating Earwax Blockages

Only healthcare professionals should remove earwax blockages to prevent damage to the ear canal. Treatment generally involves:

• Softeners: Applying hydrogen peroxide drops or cerumenolytics to soften the earwax days before extraction.
• Irrigation: Flushing the ear with warm water using a syringe or bulb. This is contraindicated for individuals with eardrum perforations or previous ear surgeries.
• Manual Removal: Using suction, forceps, or a curved instrument to extract the earwax.

It’s important to note that while younger individuals often seek help promptly, elderly individuals may not, worsening their isolation.

Preventing Earwax Blockages

To avoid earwax blockages, consider these tips:

1. Clean Only the Outer Ear: Wipe the outer ear with a towel corner, avoiding deep insertion.
2. Avoid Inserting Objects: Don’t use cotton swabs, hairpins, or other objects that can push earwax deeper.
3. Seek Medical Advice: If experiencing sudden hearing loss, consult a doctor to rule out and treat blockages.
4. Avoid Home Remedies: Don’t use sprays, marine water diffusers, or ear candles, as they can increase infection risk or cause injury.

For any ear-related concerns, always consult a healthcare professional to ensure proper care and avoid complications. Ventura Medical Technologies is dedicated to providing the best guidance for maintaining ear health.