Have you ever thought about why your ears always seem to have wax? Earwax, also called cerumen, is something our bodies make to keep our ears healthy. It might seem like a bother, but earwax is very important for protecting our ears.
What Is Earwax?
Earwax is a sticky, yellowish substance made by glands in the ear canal. These glands are in the skin of our ear canals. Earwax does a lot of important jobs:
Protects Our Ears
One of the main jobs of earwax is to protect our ears from dirt, dust, and other small things. The sticky earwax catches these things and stops them from going deep into our ears, helping prevent infections and irritation.
Keeps Our Ears Moisturized
Earwax also helps keep the skin in our ears from getting dry and itchy. It stops the skin from becoming sore or inflamed.
Why Do Some People Have More Earwax?
Everyone makes earwax all the time, but some people have more than others. Here are some reasons why earwax might build up:
Genetics
How much earwax you have can depend on your genes. Some people naturally make more earwax.
Age
As people get older, their earwax can become drier and harder to remove. Kids usually have softer earwax that is easier to clean out.
Earwax Consistency
People can have different types of earwax. Some people have wetter, more liquid earwax, while others have drier, flakier earwax that can build up more easily.
Using Cotton Swabs
Many people use cotton swabs (Q-tips) to clean their ears. But this can push the earwax deeper into the ear, making it harder to get out and causing blockages.
Hearing Aids and Earplugs
If you use hearing aids or earplugs frequently, you might have more earwax buildup. These devices can prevent the earwax from coming out naturally.
How to Take Care of Your Earwax
Even though earwax is important, too much can cause problems like hearing loss, earaches, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and dizziness. Here are some tips to manage your earwax:
Don’t Use Cotton Swabs
Putting things in your ears to clean them makes things worse. It’s better to let the earwax come out on its own.
See an Audiologist
If you think you have too much earwax or your ears feel blocked, visit an audiologist or ear specialist. They can safely remove the earwax with special tools.
Avoid Over-the-Counter Kits
It’s best not to use store-bought earwax removal kits without asking a doctor. These products can sometimes push earwax further into your ear.
How to Keep Our Ears Moisturized
Keeping our ears moisturized is important for maintaining healthy ears. Here are some simple steps to make sure your ears stay comfortable and moisturized.
Avoid Over-Cleaning
Skip the Cotton Swabs
Using cotton swabs or Q-tips can remove too much of the natural oils in your ears, making them dry and itchy. Let your ears clean themselves naturally.
Gentle Cleaning
If you need to clean your ears, gently wipe the outer part of them with a warm, damp cloth. Avoid putting anything inside your ear canal.
Stay Hydrated
Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking enough water every day helps keep your whole body, including your ears, hydrated. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day.
Earwax Removal in Sugar Land, TX
Earwax is normal and necessary for keeping ears healthy. Sometimes, we have too much earwax, but this is our body’s way of protecting our ears. Knowing why earwax is important and how to take care of it helps us keep our ears healthy.
If you live in Sugar Land, TX, and need help with earwax, Fort Bend Hearing can help. They offer professional earwax removal and ear cleaning services.
Remember, our ears know how to take care of themselves. With the right care, we can keep our ears healthy all our lives.
