Ear Wax -
Our ear wax consistency is not simply any normal dead cell secretion, as many believe. It is a composition of fatty acids, squalene, alcohol and cholesterol mixed with dead skin cells. Fresh and wet ear wax contains more fat than protein, whereas dry grey and flaky wax contains more protein than fat. Ear wax production is a normal process and functioning of the ear. Excessive production of ear wax might result from the shape of the individual's ear, scar or ear trauma, water build-up, more ear hair, improper ear wax removal methods and more.
What is the function or benefits of Ear wax?
Instead of just ear wax, it has benefits and helps in the maintaining optimal ear health and function.
1) It is the body's natural defence mechanism. As the wax is secreted towards the outer ear canal, it acts as a defence mechanism towards foreign bodies like dust, dirt and others. It protects the inner ear from any possible injury or infection.
2) Not only does it act as a physical barrier to foreign bodies, but it also has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
3) Ear wax can disappear or drop out on its own for most people. With the help of chewing muscles and the migration of the skin in the canal, ear wax moves and drops out of the ear naturally.
4) Ear wax helps moisturize the ear canal, preventing the ear from becoming dry and itchy.
What causes the build-up of Ear wax?
Some individuals might produce more ear wax compared to others; with most of the reason behind excessive ear wax being genetics. For many people, it can be because of overzealous ear cleaning and the usage of cotton swabs that can push ear wax inwards. Some people might have more natural secretion because of the size and shape of the ear canal or even because of skin conditions like eczema. The secretion also increases because of older age, and due to the usage of hearing aids or ear plugs, the ear wax doesn't migrate out naturally.
How does wax impact hearing loss?
Although the secretion of ear wax has its benefits and functions, if excessive wax accumulates, it can result in problems like itchy ears, the feeling of fullness in ears, hearing difficulties and earache.
A) Blockage in the ear canal may occur because of excessive secretion of ear wax. Due to this, symptoms include hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), earaches, and dizziness.
B) Hearing loss - When ear wax builds up and obstructs the ear canal, it can interfere with the transmission of sound waves to the eardrum. This obstruction can cause conductive hearing loss, a type of hearing impairment that stems from outer or middle ear issues.
C) Ear wax impaction can also contribute to symptoms like tinnitus and dizziness. The blockage may disrupt the normal functioning of the ear, leading to these discomforting sensations.
Final Thought -
Ear wax is a natural secretion, and the science behind it is to protect the eardrum and inner ear as a physical barrier with its antibacterial and antifungal properties. But even though it has its benefits, the build-up or the over-secretion of the wax can lead to problems like dizziness, tinnitus, and even hearing loss. That's why if you need to get your ear's health checked, you must find an ear wax removal clinic, and have your ears checked and excessive ear wax removed by professionals.
