Ear Wax

Earwax, scientifically known as cerumen, serves as a natural protective barrier for the ear canal against dust, microorganisms, and foreign particles.

The ear has its own self-cleaning mechanism, where the skin of the ear canal grows from the inside out, aided by jaw movements such as chewing, which helps to push out older earwax. Eventually, the earwax flakes off on its own, maintaining ear hygiene.

However, when earwax builds up excessively, it can lead to impacted earwax, indicating a disruption in the natural self-cleaning process.

Certain individuals may be more susceptible to earwax impaction, including:

• Those who regularly use hearing aids, as they can interfere with the natural expulsion of earwax.
• Individuals who habitually insert objects like earbuds, hairpins, or safety pins into their ears, which can push earwax deeper into the canal and hinder its natural removal.
• Older adults, as aging can lead to changes in the consistency of earwax and a decrease in the efficiency of the self-cleaning mechanism.
• People with anatomically narrow or unusually shaped ear canals, which may impede the proper removal of earwax and increase the risk of impaction.