About 1 in 3 Older Adults Suffer Cerumen Impaction. Here’s What to Do.
Earwax may not be anyone’s favorite topic, but it plays an important role in ear and hearing health. Also called, “cerumen,” this vital material helps protect, clean, and lubricate the ear canal while supporting an environment that helps curb harmful bacteria and fungi.
Most of the time, earwax doesn’t need to be removed. Your ears are designed to naturally move excess wax out on their own. But when wax builds up, becomes impacted, or starts causing symptoms, professional care may be needed.
At HearWell Center, our audiologists, Dr. Suzanne Yoder and Dr. Lisa Chandonais, provide earwax removal to help address blockage safely and effectively. Read on to learn more about earwax, including the benefits, unsafe buildup, and solutions when you need help.
What Earwax Does for Your Ears
Earwax is produced by glands in the outer ear canal. While it may initially seem “icky,” earwax serves several helpful purposes. Without cerumen, the ear canal would be more vulnerable to irritation and discomfort.
Earwax helps:
- Lubricate the ear canal
- Prevent your ears from feeling dry or itchy
- Keep dirt and debris from traveling deeper toward the eardrum
- Reduce the risk of ear discomfort or infection
In normal amounts, earwax can usually be left to its natural self-cleaning cycle. A warm, soft cloth can be used to clean the outer ear after bathing or showering, but the ear canal itself should generally be untouched unless a professional evaluation shows that earwax removal is needed.
When Earwax Becomes Impacted
Earwax impaction happens when wax builds up enough to block the ear canal or cause symptoms. About 1 in 3 older adults may suffer impaction. In the U.S. alone, approximately 6 to 18 million people may have earwax blockage, but the condition might be underdiagnosed and undertreated.
Some people are more prone to earwax buildup than others. Hearing aid users, people who wear earplugs, those who produce more wax, and individuals with certain ear-canal differences may be more likely to experience blockage.
Potential signs of excess buildup can include:
- Muffled hearing or hearing loss
- Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears or head
- Dizziness, balance concerns, discomfort, or irritation
Why Cotton Swabs Can Make Things Worse
Many people try to clean their ears with cotton swabs, but this can create more problems. Forcing objects into the ear canal may push wax deeper, making it harder to remove and increasing the risk of irritation, injury, infection, or hearing damage.
Cotton swabs can also contribute to an itch-scratch cycle. The ear canal has sensitive nerve endings, so using a swab may feel satisfying in the moment. But repeated use can irritate the canal and lead to more itching.
Ear candles should also be avoided. Though some have used them for DIY ear-cleaning, they’ve not been proven effective in scientific studies and may cause serious injury. When earwax is triggering symptoms, the safer choice is to have the ears examined by a qualified professional.
How Professional Earwax Removal Can Help
Professional earwax removal can relieve blockage that affects hearing or causes discomfort. Because ear symptoms can have several causes, professional care helps confirm whether wax buildup is contributing to the problem.
This care is especially useful when wax is impacted, hardened, or deep in the ear canal. If hearing loss is present, removing the blockage can help determine whether symptoms improve or whether a full hearing evaluation is still needed.
What to Expect at an Appointment
An earwax-removal appointment at HearWell Center is designed to be simple, informative, and focused on your needs. It’s a great opportunity to have your questions answered; get practical guidance; and gain a better understanding of your ears, symptoms, and possible next steps.
During the appointment, a doctor of audiology will:
- Look in your ears with a lighted instrument to confirm whether earwax is the problem.
- Explain what they see and review your symptoms and medical history.
- Gently remove the wax using tools such as curettes or irrigation depending on what is safest for your ears.
- Recheck your ears and, when appropriate, your hearing, so you leave with a clear understanding of your results and next steps.
Quick Questions About Earwax Removal
Q: Is earwax bad?
A: No. Earwax is normal and helpful. It helps protect and lubricate the ear canal, helps keep debris away from the eardrum, and supports ear comfort. It only becomes a concern when it builds up, blocks the ear canal, or causes other symptoms.
Q: How does cerumen or earwax buildup occur?
Earwax impaction or surplus buildup can result from factors such as improper ear-cleaning, ear-picking, use of earplugs or hearing aids, overabundant earwax production, and ear-canal abnormalities.
Q: How do I know if I might have earwax impaction?
A: Possible signs include muffled hearing, a blocked feeling in the ear, tinnitus (ringing in the ears or head), dizziness, discomfort, irritation, or changes in hearing. An evaluation can help determine whether earwax is the cause.
Q: Should I use cotton swabs to clean my ears?
A: No. Cotton swabs and other objects can push wax deeper into the ear canal and may cause injury, infection, or hearing damage. A warm, soft cloth can be used to clean the outer ear only.
Q: What should I do if I think my ear is blocked?
A: Schedule an evaluation. The doctors of audiology at HearWell Center can examine your ears, determine whether excess wax is present, and recommend the safest removal option for your situation.
Q: Can earwax affect hearing aids?
A: Yes. People who use hearing aids may be more prone to wax-related issues. Earwax buildup can also interfere with hearing comfort and device performance, making professional evaluation and regular hearing-aid cleaning especially helpful.
Get Help for Earwax Buildup
Earwax is normal, but blockage should not be ignored. If you are experiencing muffled hearing, tinnitus, dizziness, discomfort, or a blocked sensation, HearWell Center can help determine whether earwax impaction may be part of the problem.
With professional earwax removal:
- Excess wax can be fully addressed, avoiding incomplete extraction
- Risk of infection, injury, or ear-canal damage is minimized
- Underlying causes of buildup or impaction can be assessed
- Hearing problems potentially related to blockage may improve
- You can receive a personalized plan to prevent further blockages
At HearWell Center, our hearing care and earwax removal services are designed around your individual needs. If you’re experiencing symptoms of excess cerumen buildup, our highly trained team can help address it safely and effectively.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment, don’t wait. Contact HearWell Center today.