#1 Introduction
Earwax is a waxy material produced by sebaceous glands inside the ear. It cleans, lubricates and protects the lining of the ear by trapping dirt and repelling water.
Earwax cause temporary hearing loss because it blocks your ear canal. Once the blockage is removed, your hearing will improve.
#2 EARWAX CAUSES
Some people are naturally more susceptible to developing a blockage in their ear, for various reasons.
Blockage, or impaction, also occurs when the wax gets pushed deep within the ear canal. Earwax blockage affects about 6% of people and is one of the most common ear problems doctors see.
Your risk of developing problems from a build-up of earwax is increased if you have:
narrow ear canals or ear canals that aren't fully formed
a lot of hair in your ear canals
bony growths in the outer part of your ear canal these are called osetomata
a skin condition of your scalp or preauricular area
hard wax
a history of recurrent impacted earwax
repeated ear infections
#3 Symptoms of earwax build-up
Earwax doesn't usually cause problems, but a build-up of earwax can lead to a
blocked ear or fullness sensation, ear pain and hearing loss.
Too much earwax can also cause other symptoms, including:
Ringing in the ear
Itching or drainage from the ear canal
vertigo or Dizziness
#4 Indications for earwax removal :
Difficulty in examining the full tympanic membrane
Otitis externa
Wax occlusion of the external ear canal
As part of the workup for conductive hearing loss
Prior to taking the impression for hearing aid fitting
Suspected external ear canal or middle ear cholesteatoma
As part of the follow-up to canal wall down mastoidectomy
As part of grommet insertion or middle ear surgery
Patient request
Methods of Earwax Removal :
Eardrops-
Eardrops can be used to soften and loosen the earwax.
Eardrops should not be used if you have a perforated eardrum .
Ear irrigation-
Ear irrigation may be recommended if your earwax blockage persists, even after using eardrops. It involves using a pressurised flow of water to remove the build-up of earwax.
