Have you ever experienced a feeling of fullness in your ear? Or noticed a decline in your hearing abilities?
If so, you may be troubled by impacted earwax that needs removal. See what to expect during earwax removal in Singapore on this page: https://www.drbenmedical.sg/ear-wax-removal-singapore/.
So, What Causes Earwax Blockage?
Earwax blockage, medically known as impacted cerumen, is a common condition that affects both children and adults. It can be a result of various factors that disrupt the natural process of earwax removal. Here are six common culprits behind ear wax accumulation.
- Using Hearing Aids, Earplugs, or Earbuds: Earbuds and earplugs, etc should enhance our auditory experiences. Here’s the twist. The regular use of hearing aids, earplugs, or earbuds can inadvertently contribute to earwax buildup. These devices create a barrier in the ear canal. With this barrier, it becomes difficult to naturally expel earwax and this may lead to impaction.
- Excessive Ear Hair: Did you know that the amount of hair in your ears can also cause earwax accumulation. The purpose of the hair in your ears is to trap debris. Importantly, they also help prevent foreign objects from entering the ear canal. Here’s the problem, when they become excess, they can impede the natural flow of earwax, trap and prevent them from being expelled efficiently.
- Skin Conditions: Certain skin conditions, like eczema, for example can increase the risks of earwax buildup. Eczema is characterized by inflammation and itchiness of the skin. So, when it affects the ear canal, it can disrupt the normal production and expulsion of earwax. The inflamed skin may produce an excess of wax or cause the wax to become stickier, leading to blockage.
- The use of cotton swabs or other similar objects to clean the ears: Contrary to popular belief, inserting cotton swabs into your ear canal can actually push the wax deeper, exacerbating the issue. It’s important to remember that the ear has its self-cleaning mechanism, and inserting foreign objects can disrupt this delicate balance.
- Age: Age is also a contributing factor, with individuals over the age of 55 being more susceptible to earwax blockage. As we age, the consistency of earwax changes. With this change in consistency, they become drier and harder. Also, the natural process of earwax removal can slow down with age, making it easier for wax to accumulate and cause problems.Visit Here gba 333.
- Developmental Disabilities: Individuals with developmental disabilities or misshapen ear canals may experience difficulties with natural wax removal. These conditions can interfere with the normal flow of earwax, leading to an increased risk of buildup.
Is Having Ear Wax Good or Bad?
We get it; it may seem counterintuitive, but earwax is actually beneficial to our ears. That’s when they’re present in appropriate amounts. They help, trap dirt, dust, and other foreign particles that may enter the ear canal.
Earwax also possesses antimicrobial properties. These are helpful in inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria and preventing infections.
And what’s more, it acts as a protective lubricant, preventing the skin in the ear canal from drying out. This helps reduce itchiness, and maintain the overall ear health.
Now, here’s the snag. When earwax accumulates excessively or hardens, it can lead to various issues. Excessive wax can block the ear canal.
This can cause a feeling of fullness, diminished hearing, or even earaches. It may also cause tinnitus.
This is a ringing or buzzing sensation in the ears, and in severe cases, dizziness or coughing. Moreover, the accumulation of wax can increase the risk of developing ear infections.
They can also impede the accurate diagnosis of underlying ear conditions. That said, while earwax is essential for ear health, it’s crucial to ensure it doesn’t build up beyond a certain point.
How do you Know if you Need Ear Wax Removal?
Usually, you’d be referred to an ENT specialist if your GP believes your earwax should be removed. Here are the key indications that it could be time to consider earwax removal in Singapore;
- Earache: A persistent or recurring pain in the ear can be a sign of earwax impaction. The pressure from the compacted wax can cause discomfort, and if left unaddressed, it may lead to further complications.
- The feeling of fullness in the ear: If you experience a sensation of blockage or fullness in your ear as if something is plugging it, it could be due to excess earwax. This feeling may impair your hearing and cause mild to moderate discomfort.
- Ringing or noises in the ear (tinnitus): Tinnitus is characterized by perceiving sounds not present in the external environment. While it can have various causes, impacted earwax is one of the potential culprits.
- Hearing loss: One of the telltale signs of earwax buildup is the gradual decline in your ability to hear. This is especially true if it affects only one ear. The wax blockage prevents sound waves from reaching the eardrum, leading to temporary or even partial hearing loss.
- Dizziness: Excessive earwax can also cause dizziness in some cases. Or a sense of imbalance. If you frequently experience unexplained dizziness, it may be best to get checked for earwax impaction.
- Cough: Well, this may seem farfetched. But, a persistent cough can sometimes be triggered by the stimulation of the vagus nerve, which runs near the ear canal. The presence of compacted earwax can lead to such stimulation, resulting in an annoying cough.
- Itchiness in the ear: While itching in the ears can have various causes, including allergies or dermatological conditions, it can also be a sign of excessive earwax. If your ears feel itchy and attempts to relieve the itch only worsen the sensation, it’s worth investigating the possibility of earwax buildup.
- Odor or discharge in the ear: Unpleasant odor or unusual discharge from the ear can indicate an infection or earwax impaction. Consult an ear specialist for examination and accurate diagnosis if you get such symptoms.
The Bottom Line
Maintaining good ear health is crucial for our overall well-being, and recognizing the signs of earwax buildup is a key component of that. Stay vigilant and seek professional guidance when needed to ensure optimal ear health.
If you suspect that you have impacted ear wax and considering professional earwax removal in Singapore, contact us today to schedule your examination. Call or visit us at:
Dr. Ben’s Medical Singapore
SBF Center Medical Suites
160 Robinson Road
#03-09 SBF Center Medical Suites
Singapore 068914
