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A dog with big floppy ears

Earwax – the often-maligned, sometimes-embarrassing substance that accumulates in our ears. While many of us view earwax as a nuisance or even a sign of poor hygiene, the truth is that it plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and function of our auditory system.

In this post, we’ll delve into what earwax is, why it’s necessary, and when – if ever – it needs to be removed.

What Is Earwax?

Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a natural substance produced by glands in the outer part of our ears. It’s composed of:

  1. Ceruminous secretions: A waxy mixture of lipids and other compounds that form the bulk of earwax.
  2. Dead skin cells: Cells from the outer ear canal that are shed and incorporated into the wax.
  3. Hair: Tiny, brittle hairs that can be found in the ear canal.

Earwax is designed to protect our ears by:

  • Preventing dust, dirt, and other foreign particles from entering the ear canal
  • Lining the ear canal with a protective barrier against bacterial growth
  • Aiding in the cleaning of the ear canal through the natural movement of wax and debris

Why Does Earwax Need to Be Removed?

While earwax is essential for our ear health, there are situations where it’s necessary to remove excess wax. This might occur when:

  1. Earwax buildup: Excessive accumulation of earwax can cause discomfort, itching, or even hearing difficulties.
  2. Impacted earwax: When earwax becomes stuck in the ear canal, causing blockages or impairing sound transmission.
  3. Infection or irritation: If earwax traps bacteria or other pathogens, leading to infection or inflammation.

When Not to Clean Your Ears

The temptation to clean your ears with cotton swabs or other objects may be strong, but in most cases, it’s not necessary – and can even cause harm! If your ears are functioning normally and you don’t have any symptoms of earwax buildup or impacted earwax, you should leave your ears alone.

When to Clean Your Ears

If you do need to clean your ears, here are some tips:

  1. Use a washcloth: Gently wipe the outer part of your ear with a soft cloth.
  2. Dry your ears: After showering or bathing, dry your ears thoroughly to prevent moisture buildup.
  3. Consult a professional: If you suspect impacted earwax or an infection, book a Microsuction ear wax removal appointment with MicroClear Ears.

Conclusion

Earwax is not something to be ashamed of; it’s an essential part of maintaining healthy ears! By understanding the importance of earwax and when (if ever) it needs to be removed, we can take better care of our hearing and overall ear health. Remember, if in doubt, get in touch with our team at MicroClear Ears for guidance.

Stay informed and take care of those lovely ears!

Make an microsuction appointment with MicroClear Ears today

Book your appointment online with MicroClear Ears today. We offer micro-suction ear wax removal ear clinics at three locations across Adelaide; Stepney, Brooklyn Park, and Somerton Park. Our service is Medicare rebatable, and requires no referrals. For more information on fees, please see our fees & pricing page.

If you have any questions, please see our Frequently Asked Questions section or Get in touch today.

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