What Is Earwax & What Happens When You Have Too Much?
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As we age, our bodies change in ways that can affect everyday routines—ear care among them. Earwax, medically known as cerumen, is often misunderstood. Yes, it can be messy, and yes, it sometimes causes discomfort or hearing issues—but it also serves vital protective functions in your ears. For those over 60, paying attention to earwax production and maintenance is especially important to preserve hearing, balance and overall wellbeing. This comprehensive guide explores:
- The biology and benefits of earwax
- Reasons for excessive buildup
- Safe, effective home-care methods
- When and how professionals intervene
- Preventative habits to keep ears healthy
Dive in to ensure your ears stay clear, comfortable and fully functional.
The Biology of Earwax
What Is Cerumen?
Cerumen is a mixture of secretions from sebaceous (oil) and ceruminous (sweat) glands, combined with dead skin cells. It fills three key roles:
- Protection: Traps dust, dirt and small particles, preventing them from reaching the delicate eardrum.
- Lubrication: Keeps the skin of the ear canal supple, preventing dryness and itching.
- Antimicrobial Defense: Exhibits mildly acidic and antibacterial properties, reducing infection risk.
The Natural Cleaning Cycle
Your ears are self-cleaning. Jaw movements—talking, chewing—help shift old cerumen outward, where it flakes away naturally. In most cases, no intervention is needed.
Why Earwax Build-up Occurs
Even though wax is beneficial, it sometimes accumulates excessively, leading to a blockage. Common causes include:
- Age-related Changes: After 60, cerumen often becomes drier and harder, making natural expulsion less efficient.
- Narrow or Curved Ear Canals: Anatomical variations can trap wax more readily.
- Excessive Hair Growth: Coarse hair in the canal can impede wax passage.
- Use of Cotton Buds or Earbuds: These push wax deeper, compacting it against the eardrum.
- Hearing Aid or Earbud Usage: Devices sitting in the canal can disrupt the cleaning cycle.
Signs & Symptoms of Excess Earwax
When wax accumulates beyond a comfortable level, you may notice:
- Gradual Hearing Loss: Sound becomes muffled or quieter in one or both ears.
- Ear Fullness or Pressure: A sensation of blockage or plugging.
- Tinnitus: Ringing, buzzing or whistling noises in the ear.
- Discomfort or Mild Pain: Pressure on the eardrum can cause aching.
- Dizziness or Lightheadedness: In severe cases, balance can be affected.
- Itching or Odour: Trapped debris may lead to irritation or infection, producing odour or discharge.
If any of these symptoms arise, it’s time to consider cleaning or seeking professional help.
Safe Home-Care Methods
When symptoms first appear—minor muffling or itchiness—try these gentle approaches:
Warm Water Irrigation
- Fill a clean bulb syringe with body-temperature (≈37 °C) water.
- Tilt your head over a sink, pull the outer ear gently upward and backward.
- Squirt water into the ear canal with light pressure.
- Allow water and dislodged wax to drain, then dry the area thoroughly with a soft towel or gentle blow from a hairdryer on low, held at arm’s length.
Cerumenolytic Drops
Over-the-counter drops help soften hardened wax. Options include:
- Olive or Mineral Oil: Natural and gentle; apply 2–3 drops twice daily for up to a week.
- Carbamide Peroxide Solutions: Effervescent action breaks down wax; follow manufacturer’s instructions.
Always read labels and avoid drops if you have an ear infection, perforated eardrum or ear tubes.
Gentle Manual Removal
- Soft-Cuticle Tools: Specially designed ear picks or loops made of silicone or plastic can remove superficial wax—only if comfortable and visible.
- Avoid Metal Implements: Metal picks and cotton buds risk canal injury or impaction.
When to Stop Home Care & Seek Professional Help
Cease at-home treatments and consult an ear specialist (audiologist or ENT) when you experience:
- No improvement after repeated home attempts
- Worsening symptoms: severe pain, bleeding, discharge or persistent dizziness
- History of ear surgery, grommets (ventilation tubes) or chronic ear disease
- Sudden hearing loss or ringing affecting daily life
Professional Earwax Removal Techniques
Microsuction
- Procedure: Under magnification, a suction probe gently removes wax.
- Benefits: Precise, quick (~15 minutes), minimal discomfort and no water irrigation.
Manual Instrumentation
- Procedure: A qualified clinician uses small curettes or hooks under direct vision.
- Benefits: Effective for very hard or impacted cerumen; better control in narrow canals.
Syringing (Less Common)
- Procedure: Controlled water pressure flushes wax out.
- Drawbacks: May be messy, potential for discomfort and rarely used if microsuction is available.
CoreMedica’s CQC-registered team in Southampton and Portsmouth offers same-day clinic or home-visit appointments without a GP referral. Learn more about their services at CoreMedica Earwax Removal.
Preventative Habits for Long-Term Ear Health
- Limit Device Usage: Remove earbuds or hearing aids daily to allow natural cerumen migration.
- Protect Against Loud Noise: Wear ear defenders in noisy environments to prevent acoustic trauma.
- Stay Hydrated & Well-Nourished: Proper fluid intake and a balanced diet keep gland secretions healthy.
- Annual Hearing Checks: Early detection of presbycusis (age-related hearing loss) ensures timely intervention.
- Gentle Drying Post-Swimming: Use a towel or hairdryer on low to prevent moisture-related blockages or infections.
Lifestyle Factors & Medication Considerations
Mobility & Balance: Regular exercise enhances vestibular function, mitigating dizziness if blockages occur.
Medication Side Effects: Some drugs (e.g., certain antihistamines, antidepressants) can thicken cerumen—check with your GP.
Underlying Conditions: Diabetes or skin disorders like eczema may affect canal skin health and cerumen consistency.
FAQs
Most people need cleaning only when symptoms appear—typically 1–2 times per year. Over-cleaning may irritate the canal.
No. Candling risks burns, perforations and pushes wax deeper. It is not recommended by health professionals.
Yes. Significant blockage can disrupt the inner ear’s balance mechanisms, leading to dizziness or unsteadiness.
Microsuction uses gentle vacuum under direct vision; syringing uses water pressure. Microsuction tends to be more comfortable and precise.
When performed by trained clinicians, risks are minimal. Always choose qualified, insured practitioners.
Conclusion
Earwax may seem trivial, but for those over 60, maintaining cerumen balance is crucial for clear hearing, reliable balance and comfort. By combining safe home-care practices, regular check-ups and professional microsuction when needed, you can prevent blockages and protect your auditory health.
Ready to experience clearer, healthier ears? Book a professional ear assessment today with CoreMedica’s expert team—no GP referral required. Your ears will thank you!
