Earwax, medically known as cerumen, is often misunderstood. Many people see it as dirty or unnecessary, leading to unsafe home removal practices. However, earwax plays a crucial role in protecting your ears, and incorrect removal can lead to complications.
At Batley Pharmacy, we offer professional earwax removal services, including microsuction, ensuring safe and effective care. In this guide, we separate earwax myths from facts, explain the causes of build-up, common symptoms, and the safest ways to manage it.
What is Earwax?
Earwax is a natural substance produced by glands in the ear canal. Its primary functions include:
- Trapping dust, dirt, and bacteria
- Lubricating the ear canal to prevent dryness
- Protecting against infections and ear damage
Contrary to popular belief, earwax is not a sign of poor hygiene. In fact, it is essential for ear health.
Common Ear Wax Myths
Myth 1: Earwax is always bad for your ears
Fact: Earwax protects the ear canal and eardrum. It naturally moves outwards and only requires removal when it causes blockage or discomfort.
Myth 2: Cotton buds safely remove earwax
Fact: Cotton buds often push wax deeper into the ear canal, increasing the risk of blockage, infection, and even eardrum injury.
Myth 3: Earwax removal is always necessary
Fact: Not everyone needs their ears cleaned professionally. Most people’s ears are self-cleaning. Removal is only necessary for symptomatic build-up.
Myth 4: Earwax build-up is caused by poor hygiene
Fact: Build-up is usually caused by genetics, narrow ear canals, excessive use of earphones, or frequent cotton bud use.
Myth 5: If your ears feel blocked, you should “dig it out”
Fact: That blocked feeling can be wax, but it can also be an infection, fluid, or another ear condition. Digging increases the chance of damage and can delay proper diagnosis.
Myth 6: Ear candles remove wax safely
Fact: Ear candling has no proven benefit for wax removal and can cause burns and other injuries. Medical reviews and major clinical sources advise against it.
5 Earwax Facts You Should Know
Fact 1:
Earwax can appear yellow, brown, or even almost black, and may be soft or dry based on individual biology. Age, genetics, and environment influence its texture and colour. People of different ethnic backgrounds often have naturally different types of earwax.
Fact 2:
The ears are self-cleaning and naturally expel wax through normal movements like talking and chewing. Most adults produce the right amount of wax without needing any intervention. This process means objects like cotton buds are unnecessary and can interfere with natural clearance.
Fact 3:
When earwax becomes impacted, it can block sound and cause muffled hearing, discomfort, or tinnitus. Some people also experience a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear. These symptoms are common in those who use earphones, hearing aids, or cotton buds frequently.
Fact 4:
Microsuction removes wax using a gentle suction device while allowing the clinician to see the ear canal clearly. It is preferred over syringing because it does not use water and has a lower risk of infection or eardrum injury.
Fact 5:
Earwax acts as a natural antibacterial barrier that helps protect the ear canal from infections. It traps dust, debris, and microorganisms before they reach deeper parts of the ear. Without this protective layer, the ear canal becomes more vulnerable to irritation and infection.
Causes of Earwax Build-Up
Understanding why earwax accumulates can help prevent complications. Common causes include:
- Narrow ear canals or unusual ear anatomy
- Overuse of cotton buds or earplugs
- Excessive hair or skin debris in the ear canal
- Age-related changes in wax production
- Frequent use of hearing aids or headphones
When build-up occurs, it can block sound waves, resulting in muffled hearing or discomfort.
Symptoms of Earwax Blockage
- Reduced hearing or muffled sounds
- Earache or pressure
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
- Itchiness or discomfort in the ear canal
- Dizziness or imbalance in severe cases
If you notice any of these symptoms, professional removal is recommended.
Earwax Removal: NHS vs Private
In the UK, earwax removal can be accessed through the NHS or private clinics. NHS removal often requires a referral and can involve waiting periods. Batley Pharmacy offers flexible appointments, modern microsuction techniques, and immediate care for symptomatic patients.
Microsuction is minimally invasive, painless, and more precise than traditional irrigation. It is highly recommended for patients with diabetes, ear infections, or previous ear surgery.
FAQs
What are the facts about earwax?
Earwax protects the ear canal, traps debris, prevents infections, and naturally moves outward as the ear self-cleans. It only needs removal when it blocks hearing, causes discomfort, or affects hearing aid performance.
What happens if you push earwax deeper?
Pushing earwax deeper can compact it against the eardrum, leading to temporary hearing loss, pain, tinnitus, or infection. It can also cause damage to the delicate skin inside the ear canal or even the eardrum itself.
Is dry earwax better than wet?
Neither type is better; dry and wet earwax are normal genetic variations. Wet wax is common in African and European populations, while dry wax is more common in East Asian groups. Both types provide similar protective functions.
Can showering remove earwax?
Warm water from showering may loosen small amounts of wax near the outer ear, but it will not remove deep or impacted wax. Excess moisture can also irritate the ear canal. Professional removal is recommended for blocked ears.
How often should earwax be removed?
There is no fixed schedule. Removal is needed only when symptoms occur or as advised by a healthcare professional.
Is microsuction better than syringing?
Microsuction is safer, more precise, and faster than traditional syringing, making it the preferred method for professional earwax removal.
Why should you not remove wax from your ears yourself?
DIY removal with cotton buds or sharp objects can damage the ear canal, push wax deeper, and increase infection risk. Professional care is safest.
