The ear sometimes gets exposed to microbial organisms, which can damage the ear components and accumulate bacteria and pathogens inside the ear. The external ear canal naturally secretes a wax-like substance called cerumen that protects the ear and prevents hearing damage. We will discuss more about the effectiveness and function of earwax and dive more into the causes and treatments of cerumen buildup in the ear.
Cerumen Buildup
Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a waxy substance produced by the glands in the outer ear. Inside the external ear canal, in addition to hair follicles, some glands secrete sweat and a yellow-colored earwax.
The sticky state of earwax or cerumen prevents dust, tiny insects, and bacteria from entering the inner ear canal. Earwax has many advantages, and if external objects or microbial organisms enter the ear canal, they can cause infection and harm the eardrum, making the individual’s hearing impaired.
Cerumen Buildup
The color of earwax is normally yellow to brown, but other colors can indicate the presence of an infection.
Small amounts of this substance are always made in the ear and eventually break off from the ear wall and occasionally appear in or drain out of the ear. But if this sticky substance is not excreted or removed, it will lead to cerumen buildup or earwax blockage.
The amount of wax produced in the ear varies greatly from person to person. Some people develop plaques of earwax in their ear canals, which may cause a feeling of fullness and hearing loss and can also cause discomfort.
Cerumen Buildup Causes
Sometimes, earwax secretion increases without notice, so questions might arise like “Why do I have so much ear wax all of a sudden?”
Cerumen is naturally produced and removed from the ear, but if the amount of earwax secretion or removal is excessive, the condition causes blockage and accumulation of cerumen in the ear. The following are the causes of cerumen buildup.
- Narrow ear canal accumulating earwax
- Excessive hair growth in the ear canal
- Cerumen buildup due to prolonged use of headphones or hearing aids
- Cerumen buildup due to earwax removal methods
- Cerumen buildup due to aging skin
- Eczema or dry ears causing cerumen buildup
Cerumen Buildup Symptoms
If the ear canal is too narrow or has an abnormal shape, it will be more problematic to remove the earwax. This can lead to a buildup of cerumen. The symptoms of cerumen buildup are similar for both children and adults. Here are some of the symptoms that indicate you have cerumen buildup:
Cerumen Buildup Symptoms
- Hearing loss
- Earache
- Dizziness
- Coughing
- A feeling of fullness in the ears
- A ringing sound in the ears (tinnitus)
Some symptoms of cerumen buildup indicate the proximity of an infection and the severity of this condition:
- Severe ear pain
- Severe itching inside the ear
- An unpleasant odor from the ear
- Discharge from the ear canal
- Fever
Earwax Complications
If excessive Cerumen Buildup is not treated in time, it can worsen the symptoms of the condition. The most common complications of earwax include:
- Ear irritation
- Middle ear infection
- Damage to the eardrum
- Permanent hearing loss
Cerumen Buildup Diagnosis
An ENT (Otorhinolaryngologist) specialist will determine whether there is a buildup of cerumen by taking your medical history, asking about your symptoms, and examining your ear with an otoscope.
Cerumen Buildup Diagnosis
Cerumen Buildup Treatment
How to prevent ear wax buildup in adults? As adults age, the likelihood of earwax becoming a problem increases. Because excessive accumulation of this substance in the ear can lead to hearing loss and obstruction.
One of the main causes of conductive hearing loss in adults and the elderly is the accumulation of earwax (cerumen buildup), which can make sounds sound muffled.
Removing excess earwax by yourself is a bit dangerous. Because the ear is a sensitive and vital organ of the body, and the slightest carelessness can cause its membrane to rupture. Below, we will introduce safe medical solutions and home remedies to eliminate cerumen buildup.
Medical Treatment for Cerumen Buildup
How to remove ear wax blockage fast: If your doctor has diagnosed an excessive buildup of earwax in the ear canal region, the best treatment is to remove the earwax. This will usually be done as a combination of several medical procedures. Below are the most common methods for removing earwax by a doctor.
- The doctor will remove the excess earwax with a plastic spoon called a curette.
- The ear specialist may use lukewarm water, baking soda, or other strong drops to remove the cerumen buildup.
- The doctor may use a gentle suction device to treat cerumen.
How to Remove Stubborn Ear Wax at Home
Many people can remove excess earwax at home with self-care. However, this requires extreme caution, as it can damage the eardrum. Safe home remedies for earwax include:
Treatment for Cerumen Buildup
1. Ear softeners
Ear softening drops, which are often available as over-the-counter meds in pharmacies, can help loosen earwax. These drops include:
- Baby oil
- Glycerin
- Mineral oil
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Carbamide peroxide Ear drops
2. Ear irrigation
Another home remedy for earwax blockage is ear irrigation. This should not be done after ear surgery or physical injury. Only use ear irrigation if you feel that your earwax secretion is increasing.
3. Over-the-counter kits
These kits come in a combination of softening drops and an ear irrigation system. There are many different types of combination kits, so it’s best to consult with your doctor to determine which kit is most suitable for you and how to use it.
4. Massage Earwax out using Apple Cider Vinegar
How to massage ear wax out? Apple cider vinegar is an effective ingredient for cleaning and removing earwax in children and adults.
Cerumen Buildup Treatment
At the first sign of earache or earwax blockage symptoms, you can add a few drops of apple cider vinegar to your ear and gently massage the area around the ear with your index finger. Wait about 5 minutes, then tilt your head or use a cotton swab to remove the vinegar and cerumen. Use cautiously since vinegar can be irritating for some people.
Cerumen Buildup Prevention
Some people experience frequent cerumen buildup and need to wash their ears every so often. In these cases, it is recommended to use ear drops regularly to prevent earwax blockage.
For instance, olive oil ear drops, once or twice a week, are effective in keeping the wax soft and minimizing buildup.
Which Individuals Are More Likely to Develop Cerumen Buildup?
Earwax is a natural phenomenon that happens to everyone. It is present in 10 percent of children and 5 percent of healthy adults. In general, earwax blockage is more common in these groups of people:
Cerumen Buildup Prevention
- People with skin conditions
- People with a lot of ear hair follicles
- People who wear hearing aids or earplugs
- People who are facing aging
- People who have a developmental disorder
- People who do not have the routine for earwax removal process due to an abnormal ear canal
When Should You See a Doctor?
When the amount of earwax accumulated is not too excessive, many people try to remove it using home remedies. As long as the earwax has not changed color from yellow to brown or has not turned strangely black, there is no need to worry.
But if despite using home remedies, pain and hearing loss or itching and ringing in the ears persist, or the person develops a fever, it is necessary to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Final Word
In general, you should consult a doctor before using any treatment methods. Even using drops is recommended to be performed under the supervision of a professional healthcare specialist. As mentioned, you can reduce the frequency of the ear cleaning routine and use the methods mentioned to prevent earwax from building up inside the ear canal.
