Despite its undesirable appearance, earwax serves a vital role in protecting the ear canal and preventing damage to the delicate skin inside the ear. In this blog, we will explore the science behind ear wax formation and removal.
Formation of Earwax - The glands in the outer 1/3 of the ear canal produce a sebaceous material, a mixture of wax and oils, to protect the ear and keep it moisturized. When mixed with dead skin cells from the ear canal, it is called cerumen. Under normal conditions, the cerumen then moves to the outer opening of the ear canal, where it eventually falls out of the ear canal on its own. Normal movement of the jaw, such as talking and chewing, helps push the earwax out of the ear.
Composition of Earwax - Earwax is composed of approximately 50% dead skin cells and 50% secretions from the ceruminous glands. The exact composition of ear wax varies depending on various factors, including age, diet, and genetics.
Removal of Ear Wax - An excessive build-up of ear wax can lead to discomfort, hearing difficulties, and even infection. In such cases, ear wax removal may be necessary. There are several methods for earwax removal, including home remedies and in-office removal.
In-Office earwax removal - The safest way to have earwax removed is to see your healthcare professional or an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor who have the training, skill and equipment to safely remove the earwax. They use a microscope, specialized instruments and suction for removal and sometimes irrigation. Doctor visits however can be expensive and time consuming.
In-Home earwax removal - There are many earwax removal kits available on-line and in drug stores, some safe but many not. Never use a kit that requires you to stick something into your ear! This includes steel picks, spiral tools or ear candles. Tools with cameras are excellent to look into the ear but require more skill to remove earwax than most people have and they have been responsible for many injuries. The only safe in-home method to remove earwax is water irrigation. In fact, this is the only method recommended by the American Academy of Otolaryngology.
Earwax plays a crucial role in protecting the ear canal by trapping dust, dirt, and other foreign particles before they can reach the sensitive skin inside the ear. The cerumen also has antimicrobial properties, helping to prevent infections in the ear.
In conclusion, the formation and removal of ear wax is a natural process that is crucial to the health of the ear canal. An excessive build-up of ear wax can lead to discomfort and hearing difficulties, and should be removed by a healthcare professional. Understanding the science behind ear wax formation and removal can help you make informed decisions about your ear health.