What Causes Earwax to Form?

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Earwax (known as cerumen) is a natural substance that protects and lubricates your ears, helps to prevent water damage to the eardrum and helps to keep bacteria and bugs out of the ear canal. Normally, your body is good at regulating earwax and removing it on its own. However, sometimes too much earwax forms and can cause problems such as ringing in the ears or hearing loss.

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Ear wax removal should never be undertaken by putting anything in the ears, especially cotton swabs or other household objects. These can actually push the earwax further into the ear canal and possibly damage the eardrum. Using a swab or other object to remove earwax can also lead to an ear infection.

Signs and symptoms of earwax buildup can be a signal that you have a health condition that needs attention. It’s important to see your health care provider if you have any signs or symptoms of earwax buildup, such as ringing in the ears or a feeling that the ears are full, because they can use an otoscope, a lighted instrument with a magnifying lens, to check for impacted earwax. For Ear wax removal, visit Earwax.co.uk

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Lifestyle factors can affect earwax production and can make you more likely to develop excess earwax. Examples include wearing a hearing aid, having a family history of earwax buildup, getting frequent or chronic ear infections and if your ears are shaped differently than average. Exposure to cigarette smoke, loud noise and other environmental factors can also trigger ear wax overproduction. Changing these lifestyle habits and avoiding overcleaning of the ears can help reduce your risk of earwax blockage.