What is Earwax?
Earwax, medically known as cerumen, is a natural substance produced by glands in the outer part of the ear canal. It serves several important functions in maintaining ear health. Primarily, earwax acts as a protective barrier, trapping dust, dirt, and other debris before they reach deeper parts of the ear. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties, helping to prevent infections by creating an environment that is hostile to harmful microorganisms. Additionally, earwax keeps the ear canal moisturized, which prevents dryness, itching, and irritation.
In most cases, earwax works its way out of the ear naturally through jaw movements like chewing and talking. Once it reaches the outer ear, it typically dries up and flakes away or washes out during routine bathing. However, for some people, earwax can accumulate and become impacted, especially if the ears produce excess wax or are cleaned improperly. Symptoms of impacted earwax include a sensation of fullness, earache, muffled hearing, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and even dizziness in some cases.
Earwax Management at Melliti Medical Group
If you suspect you have a buildup of earwax, it’s best to seek help from a medical professional rather than trying to remove it yourself. Inserting cotton swabs, hairpins, or other objects into the ear canal can push the wax further in, cause injury, or lead to infection. Similarly, ear candles are not recommended, they are ineffective and can be dangerous. Hot wax can drip into the ear canal causing further complications and burns.
At Melliti Medical Group, our experienced team can safely and comfortably remove excess earwax. We use gentle ear irrigation techniques to flush out the ear canal without causing harm to the eardrum or surrounding tissues. If earwax is affecting your hearing or causing discomfort, we’re here to help you hear clearly and feel better again.
