Have you ever thought about why your ears always seem to have wax? Ear wax, also called cerumen, is something our bodies make to keep our ears healthy. It might seem like a bother, but ear wax is very important for protecting our ears.
What Is Ear Wax?
Ear wax is a sticky, yellowish substance made by glands in the ear canal. These glands are in the skin of our ear canals. This sticky substance does a lot of important jobs such as:
Protecting The Ears
One of the main jobs of ear wax is to protect our ears from dirt, dust, and other small things. The sticky wax catches these things and stops them from going deep into our ears, helping prevent infections and irritation.
Keeps Our Ears Moisturized
Ear wax 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 Ear Wax?
Everyone makes ear wax all the time, but some people have more than others. Here are some reasons why wax might build up:
Genetics
How much ear wax you have can depend on your genes. Some people naturally make more ear wax.
Age
As people get older, their ear wax can become drier and harder to remove. Kids usually have softer wax that is easier to clean out.
Ear Wax Consistency
People can have different types of ear wax. Some people have wetter, more liquid ear wax, 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 ear wax buildup. These devices can prevent the wax from coming out naturally.
How to Take Care of Your Ears
Even though ear wax is important, too much can cause problems like hearing loss, earaches, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and dizziness. Here are some tips to manage wax and prevent build-up:
Don’t Use Cotton Swabs
Putting things in your ears to clean them makes things worse. It’s better to let the ear wax come out on its own.
See an Audiologist
If you think you have too much ear wax or your ears feel blocked, visit an audiologist or ear specialist. They can safely remove the earwax with special tools. Fort Bend Hearing connects you to expert audiologists providing ear wax removal in Houston, TX, servicing the community of Sugar Land, TX, Rosenberg, TX, and nearby locations.
Avoid Over-the-Counter Kits
It’s best not to use store-bought ear wax removal kits without asking a doctor. These products can sometimes push the wax 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.
Ear Wax Removal in Sugar Land, TX
Ear wax is normal and necessary for keeping ears healthy. Sometimes, we have too much wax, but this is our body’s way of protecting our ears. Knowing why wax 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 ear wax, Fort Bend Hearing can help. We offer professional ear wax removal in Houston, TX.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
