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Also known as cerumen, earwax is a substance that’s naturally produced by the body within the ear canal. While it’s a normal and healthy substance secreted by all human beings, it can sometimes become impacted and require removal by an ear, nose, and throat doctor. Below is a brief overview of this necessary substance, as well as how to know if you need to have it removed.

Why Do We Have Earwax?

Earwax forms from fatty secretions in the sebaceous and sweat glands within the outer ear canal walls. It provides both antibacterial and anti-fungal benefits.

As it travels through the ear canal via jaw movements such as talking and chewing, it catches dust, dead skin, and other debris and moves it away from the delicate eardrum. The oils in earwax also keep the ear canal moist, preventing dryness and irritation.

What Happen When It Builds Up?

Arizona Ear Nose and Throat DoctorPeople accumulate and discharge earwax at different rates, and sometimes blockages can form when a buildup of wax and debris begins to harden. These blockages can cause earaches, ear infections, difficulty hearing, itchiness in the ear, and uncomfortable feelings of fullness in the ear. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should make an appointment with an ear, nose, and throat doctor.

Unfortunately, sometimes people attempt to remove excess earwax themselves with a cotton swab, their finger, or other some other type of tool. This can actually worsen the issue, as it pushes the wax back into the canal and blocks the eardrum. You also run the risk of accidentally puncturing your eardrum, which can cause permanent hearing loss.

How Is Blockage Treated?

If you think you have earwax buildup, an ear, nose, and throat doctor will use a device called an otoscope to examine your ear and determine the issue. Any minimal buildup can usually be treated at home with a solution that you can buy at the drugstore and apply to your ear with an eyedropper. If the impaction is more severe, the doctor may remove the wax using special irrigation or suction tools.

 

If you feel like you’re experiencing a buildup of wax in your ear, visit Arizona Coast Ear Nose & Throat. Serving Lake Havasu City and Mohave Count, this team of ear, nose, and throat doctors will be able to diagnose the issue and provide an effective treatment. Visit their website or call (928) 854-5368 to schedule an appointment.
 

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