Why do we have Ear Wax?
Many people believe that ear wax is not clean and should be removed, but this is a misconception and not true.
Here are the reasons why our ear produces ear wax
Ear wax ensures dust, germs, bugs, and foreign bodies do not reach the eardrum
Ear wax keeps the lining of the ear canal moistened
Ear wax is slightly acidic, which makes it and has antibacterial properties.
Even though it has good properties, as mentioned above, it can cause problems when it accumulates too much and becomes hard. Excessive build-up of ear wax can cause the following issues.
Earache and irritation
Ear infection
Tinnitus
Reduced hearing
Blocked sensation
Vertigo
Faults the hearing aids (Blocks the receiver of the hearing aids)
Some people have higher chances of having ear wax blockage than others.
Narrow ear canals
Hairy ear canals
Ear canal with exostoses (Bony growth in the ear canals), which narrows the ear canal
Certain skin conditions
Recurrent ear infections
As we age, ear wax can get drier and harder