Earwax and ear cleaning are two things that are commonly misunderstood. Many people simply assume that earwax is just something that can clog up ear canals, and should be removed as often as possible. Many people also believe that the best way to clean ears is with a cotton swab and that they should be used often. However, the truth is that earwax actually serves a very important purpose in the ear, which is why ear cleaning for healthy ears isn’t necessary.

The benefits of earwax

Earwax is both antibacterial and antifungal. It helps to protect the ears from harmful microorganisms, which might otherwise cause infection if it wasn’t there. It also helps to prevent damage or harm from water or physical trauma. Essentially, earwax is there to protect your ears from potential sources of injury. It is a very beneficial thing and is integral to the health and optimal functioning of the ear.

Why ears don’t need to be cleaned very often

The reason why ears do not need to be cleaned very frequently is because earwax naturally moves from deep in the ear canal to the outer ear, dries up and falls out in most cases. This means that most people do not need to do anything to make sure that their ears are cleaned. However, wax can get stuck at times in the ear if too much builds up and causes a blockage. If this occurs, then sound can be muffled and it can also be painful.

What to do if you experience an earwax blockage

If you suddenly lose the ability to hear out of one or both ears, then there is a good chance that you could have an earwax blockage. If so, then it may be a good decision for you to visit your local audiologist’s office. The audiologist will examine your ears, determine if any issues are present and then recommend the appropriate treatment. Generally, for ear impactions, the audiologist safely and efficiently remove the blockage from your ear.

Additionally, the audiologist will provide you with tips and tricks to keep your ear canals and hearing in healthy shape. If you suffer from earwax blockages frequently, talk more with your audiologist about what you can do to avoid these in the future.