Earwax: What It Can Tell You About Ear Health
Surprisingly enough, earwax can reveal important things about ear health. It’s a yellow substance we’re all familiar with, but it’s also an important player in managing the inside of our ears. Earwax safely escorts bits of dirt and dust away from the inner ear and acts as a barrier against harmful invaders. Plus, it keeps germs at bay and moisturizes delicate ear skin.
Sometimes, earwax may change color or texture, signaling changes that might need attention. These changes could point to injury or infection, and understanding them will help you get any issues addressed early on. In this article, we’ll explore the different colors and textures of earwax, offer safe cleaning tips for your ears, and learn when it’s time to seek medical care.
The Colors & Textures of Earwax
Earwax, also known as cerumen, is an interesting substance that offers clues about what’s going on inside your ears. You might have noticed it comes in different colors. Most often, earwax is amber-orange to light brown, sticky, and wet. For some people, it’s drier and lighter, maybe closer to off-white or yellow. The age of earwax affects its color – newer wax appears lighter, and as it collects more debris, it darkens. Texture changes with age, too. Kids typically have softer, lighter earwax, while adults may have darker, firmer wax.
Genetics and age certainly influence the wax inside our ears. Everyone produces different amounts naturally. When everything’s working well, your ears do a great job of self-regulating wax on their own, but some people make more than usual. This can cause blockages, especially if your ear canals are narrow or have a unique shape. If enough builds up to block the canal completely, it could lead to earaches, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), vertigo, and even hearing loss.
Signs You Should See an Audiologist
Healthy ears can produce earwax in many shades and textures. But there are times you should visit an audiologist. If you notice any fluid that isn’t earwax coming from your ear, it’s time for a checkup. This might point to an ear infection needing attention. Blood mixed in earwax is also a signal to consult an ear doctor.
Those who frequently deal with earwax buildup should also seek professional care at the first sign of blockage, such as muffled hearing. Certain factors raise the risk of this happening, which includes chronic ear infections, being older, or having lots of ear hair.
How to Safely Keep Your Ears Clean at Home
When it comes to caring for your ears, the best tip is to simply leave the inside alone. Avoid putting anything in your ear – this includes fingers and cotton swabs. Doing so can push wax deeper instead of removing it.
To keep your ears clean, wash the outer part with mild soap and water. Let the water rinse away wax that naturally exits the canal. Use a towel to gently dry the outer ear, removing any leftover moisture or wax.
For most people, that’s all the maintenance needed. If you’re dealing with too much wax, earwax thinning drops can help, but they should be used only if your eardrums are healthy and intact. Your ears know what they’re doing, and a gentle wash lets them do their job well.
If Earwax Becomes a Problem, We Can Help
Taking care of your ears can be simple with help from experienced professionals. Our hearing center locations have skilled ear specialists ready to assist. We can safely remove wax buildup with gentle, noninvasive methods like irrigation, microsuction, or other specialized techniques.
Don’t let excess earwax interfere with your hearing. Visit us for industry-leading audiological care tailored to you. Schedule an appointment at Next Level Hearing Care today, and let us help you hear your world more clearly.
