What is ear wax?

Earwax is a natural and very healthy product. Special cells in the ear canal produce wax in order to keep the ear free from infection and build up of debris. Earwax is made up from skin cells, fats; because the wax is sticky it traps dust and even insects! Having wax is normal and healthy it lubricates the skin and helps the movement of foreign matter out of the ear.

Sometimes the system fails, this can be due to too much debris or from being abused with cotton buds. On occasion this can also fail with water from hot tubs and spas.

If this happens then the system needs a reset with expert treatment to removal all the built up wax and foreign matter.

What problems can ear wax cause?

Ears blocked with wax can affect hearing and cause pain. Water can become trapped behind accumulated wax and this can lead to infections as well as increasing pressure which is very painful.

If you suffer from any of these conditions, it’s best to have your ears checked regularly to prevent any damage.

Too much ear wax?

Having too much wax can be painful, from mild to severe. It can reduce the clarity of hearing as well as causing balance issues. The severity of such problems can relate to the shape of the ear, as well as the consistency of the wax; and the cause for this becoming stuck. If the wax is stuck, compacted or even stuck to the ear drum this will only be released with expert assistance. Cotton buds are a key reason for wax and foreign material becoming lodged leading to pain. Failure to do remove these obstructions may permanently damage the hearing process as well as the ear drum.

How do I know if I have too much wax?

Although one can feel the sensation of fullness in the ear, it is impossible to know that the cause is wax until there is a proper examination.

Some clues that may indicate excessive wax include:

* Reduced hearing

* Whooshing sounds

* Reduced balance,

* Itchy or wet sensations, which can increase infection risk if not draining well.

* Consider is something moving in the ear, it could be a bug (it can happen)!

A build-up of earwax is like wearing earplugs and can dull your hearing. Alternatively, some people experience intense itching deep inside the ear canal, but if you have pain, or are in doubt, then always check with a professional.

Ears blocked with wax can affect your hearing, trap water in your ears (increasing the risk of infection), causing pain and imbalance. Blocked ears can also hide a multitude of conditions that need medical attention, so have your ears checked and cleared by an expert.