When ear wax starts building up, your first instinct might be to poke it with a cotton bud. However, did you know that ear wax has a purpose? Is it sensible to remove it, and what does it consist of? Below, we bust the most common ear wax myths and explain the facts about ear wax removal.
Ear Wax Myths About What Earwax Is
Is Having Ear Wax a Good or a Bad Thing?
Myth: Earwax is a harmful substance that should not be in the ear.
Fact: Ear wax is a natural secretion from your ear canal, and it has a useful purpose. It contains cholesterol, alcohols, lipids and skin. Together, these components help the ear fight off bacterial infection. In addition, ear wax acts as a sticky barrier that stops debris and dust entering your ear. It also forms a water-repellent (hydrophobic) barrier, which helps keep your ear dry.
However, the ear canal is a narrow space, so sometimes ear wax does not migrate out naturally as it should. This excessive build-up then causes blockages and hearing loss. At that point, it is important to have an earwax removal procedure.
Does Having Earwax Indicate Poor Hygiene?
Myth: Earwax is a sign of an unclean ear.
Fact: In general, earwax has nothing to do with poor hygiene. In fact, a well-known academy of otolaryngology states that earwax helps keep the ear healthy. Thanks to its antibacterial properties, it prevents bacterial growth. Moreover, the wax protects the ear canal from dust. However, cleaning beyond a quick wipe of the outer ear can push earwax deeper into the ear canal.
As a result, it can cause extensive blockages and reduced hearing. It can even cause injury or blunt trauma to the back of the ear canal.
Ear Wax Myths About Cleaning Your Ears
Does the Ear Require Regular Cleaning?
Myth: You should clean your ears routinely to remove excess wax.
Fact: You do not need to clean your ears regularly at all. The ear produces earwax, which then works its way out of the ear canal naturally. It migrates from the back of the ear canal to the front. So, most of the time, earwax will not cause any problems.
However, excessive ear wax can sometimes cause symptoms such as:
- Pain
- Tinnitus
- Reduced hearing
- Itching or scratching
If so, get in touch with a professional audiologist. They use the safest techniques for ear wax removal, rather than unauthorised methods.
Do You Need to Clear Earwax if Your Ear Feels Clogged?
Myth: If your ear feels clogged, you need to clean the earwax out yourself.
Fact: It is not necessary to clean your ears regularly, because the ear cleans itself. This happens through the natural migration of dead skin from the eardrum. As the eardrum sheds its skin, the skin travels along the ear canal. It also pushes ear wax along with it to the front of the ear. However, poking or cleaning inside the ear can stop this natural migration. As a result, fresh ear wax builds up over several months and forms a significant seal and blockage.
Ear Wax Myths About Cotton Buds and DIY Removal
Are Q-Tips Safe for Cleaning Ears?
Myth: Q-tips feel satisfying, and they seem to clear the ears, improve hearing and remove water.
Fact: Whenever you use a Q-tip to clear ear wax, it pushes the earwax further down the ear canal. Remember that an average ear canal is only 27mm long and 10mm in diameter. So, there is not enough room to scoop ear wax out with a cotton bud.
Besides, Q-tips can cause injuries and ear infections, and they can even perforate your eardrum. Patients also feel discomfort when cotton buds touch the delicate skin of the ear canal. In the long term, cotton buds often dry the ear out, which leads to constant irritation and itching. This matters because the natural microbial flora inside the ear is very important for ear health.
What Should You Do to Ease the Pain of Earwax Build-Up?
Myth: Q-tips, hairpins, safety pins or keys are good ways to remove earwax build-up. Irrigation with chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide, or ear candling, can also help.
Fact: To ease the pain of earwax build-up, never use cotton buds or any other object. Instead of removing the ear wax, these can push it further into the ear canal. However, you can use ear drops, or even a few drops of olive oil, to soften the wax. If the pain continues after this, consult your local audiology clinic. The experts there will examine your ear canal and then remove the ear wax.
Ear Wax Myths About Ear Candles
Are Ear Candles a Reliable Method for Earwax Removal?
Myth: Ear candling is a safe and effective way to remove ear wax.
Fact: Many professionals and audiologists will not consider ear candling for earwax removal. The method is ineffective, and it carries many health risks. For example, the flames can cause burns around the ear and damage the delicate eardrum. Hence, the most effective option is to book an appointment with an audiologist. They will examine your ear with an endoscope and decide which technique suits you best.
Is Ear Candling Regulated?
Myth: Specialists recommend the candle wax method for ear wax removal.
Fact: Neither the MHRA nor the FDA regulates ear candling or classes it as an appropriate medical procedure. In addition, no evidence supports its effectiveness. In fact, experts do not recommend ear candling at all. Ear wax candle mythbusters have found that the wax inside a used candle does not come from the ear canal. Instead, it is residue and beeswax from the burning candle itself. Over the years, we have also seen the considerable damage that a flame so close to the ear can cause.
Ear Wax Myths About Hearing Loss
Is Hearing Loss the Only Symptom of Earwax Build-Up?
Myth: Ear wax build-up only affects your hearing.
Fact: When ear wax builds up, it can cause many symptoms, not just hearing loss. For example, patients often come to us with:
- Dizziness
- Itchy ears
- Pain or discomfort, especially if the ear wax is hard or on the eardrum
Before the condition gets worse, it is sensible to see an audiologist. Once they have examined your ear, they can move ahead with an effective treatment.
Is Earwax Build-Up Dangerous?
Myth: Earwax build-up causes permanent hearing loss.
Fact: Earwax build-up usually does not cause permanent hearing loss. However, as earwax accumulates, it can block the ear canal. This can lead to temporary hearing loss or muffled hearing. In most cases, your hearing returns to normal once a professional removes the wax.
Nevertheless, if you leave the build-up untreated for a long time, it can lead to other issues. For instance, there is often a higher risk of infection or damage to the delicate structures inside the ear canal. Also, ear wax is not the only cause of sudden hearing loss. So, anyone who notices a sudden drop in their hearing should seek medical advice. You can read more about earwax build-up on the NHS website.
Busting Ear Wax Myths: How Our Specialists Can Help
Finally, if you are concerned about earwax build-up, why not contact an Ear Wax Specialist? First, we assess the condition of your ear canal. Then, we use the safest technique to remove the wax. Apart from endoscopic microsuction, we may also use manual instruments or water irrigation. The technique depends on the nature of your ear wax.
We also give you before and after pictures of the procedure, along with video recordings to take away. Book your appointment online.
FAQs About Ear Wax Myths and Facts
What Is the Truth Behind Ear Wax Myths?
Ear wax settles in the ear canal and acts as a protective barrier. Over time, it also stops dust from reaching the eardrum. Its antibacterial properties also reduce the risk of infection. However, too much ear wax can cause hearing loss and discomfort.
What Is the Science Behind Ear Wax?
Modified sweat glands in the ear canal usually produce earwax. It mainly consists of fatty acids, alcohols and dead skin cells. Besides protecting the ear against dust, it also helps prevent infections.
Should We Remove Ear Wax or Not?
Most of the time, there is no need to remove ear wax. This is mainly because it comes out naturally on its own. However, if you have discomfort or hearing loss, book an appointment with an audiologist.
What Is the Point of Having Ear Wax?
Earwax plays an important role in protecting the ear canal. As it settles, it forms a barrier that stops dust reaching the eardrum. Moreover, it prevents the ear from drying out. In short, earwax is vital for keeping your ears healthy.