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What Signs Indicate Excess Ear Wax?

Epicare Health Pharmacy

Earwax serves a number of vital functions in protecting our ears and is entirely natural and healthy. However, how can we tell if we have too much ear wax? Today we go over the signs of earwax accumulation and when to consider getting your ear wax removed by a professional in this article.


What Signs Indicate Excess Ear Wax? Tinnitus (ear ringing), itching, earache or plugged ears, and a feeling of fullness in the ear are some of the warning signs of ear wax accumulation. To find out if you have too much ear wax, you should be aware of a few symptoms. Excess ear wax can cause unpleasant and occasionally painful conditions.


 

1. Too Much Ear Wax's Symptoms


Because it has elements that naturally form a barrier among our eardrums and the outside world, earwax is crucial for maintaining the ear. It aids in the fight against infections that might enter our ears through foreign objects like dust and dirt, so compromising the skin of the ear canal. Additionally keeping the ear canal moist helps earwax prevent dryness and itching. How then can we find out whether we have excess earwax? We list below the possible symptoms of an excess of ear wax.


2. Children's earwax


Earwax is naturally produced by children and adults alike. Despite the temptation, removing the wax could harm your child's ears.


It's best to consult a pediatrician if you think your child may have an earwax buildup or blockage. During routine ear examinations, your child's physician may also detect excess wax and remove it as necessary. Additionally, you may want to ask your child's doctor to check their ears for wax buildup if you observe them sticking their finger or other objects in their ears out of irritation.


In older adults, ear wax removal can also be problematic. Wax accumulation may be ignored by some adults until it starts to interfere with hearing. In actuality, earwax accumulation is the primary cause of conductive hearing loss in older adults. Sounds appear muffled as a result. A wax blockage may also be caused by a hearing aid.


3. Factors influencing the accumulation of earwax


Some people find themselves naturally prone to produce too much earwax. Still, blockage does not always follow from too much wax. Actually, at-home removal is the most often occurring factor causing earwax blockage. Wax can also be pushed deeper and a blockage created by using cotton swabs, pins, or other objects in your ear canal.


Regular use of earphones increases your likelihood of wax buildup as well. They can unintentionally block the ear canals and stop earwax from leaving them.


4. When should a doctor be seen?


Sometimes an earwax blockage free from symptoms clears on its own. Talk to your doctor, though, if you exhibit symptoms of earwax blockage.

Signs and symptoms might indicate another illness. Usually your health care provider will look in your ears to determine whether you have too much earwax. Having symptoms including earache or hearing loss does not always indicate wax buildup. You might have another health issue requiring attention.

Removal of wax is most safely accomplished under medical direction. The hearing canal and eardrum are fragile and readily damaged. If you recently undergone ear surgery, have a hole (perforation) in your eardrum, or experience ear pain or drainage, avoid trying to remove earwax yourself by putting anything in your ear canal, such a cotton swab.


Usually, any medical exam includes a check of children's ears. During an office visit, a pharmacy in Swindon can remove extra earwax from your child's ear as needed.

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