Earwax is a naturally occurring substance that is formed in the ear canal. It helps to keep the ears moist and protects them from dust, bacteria, irritation, and even insects. Earwax spontaneously makes its way from a point about halfway down the canal to the exterior of the ear, thus most individuals do not need to remove it. This is because our ears are "self cleaning." Some individuals may struggle with an excessive amount of earwax, or it may become lodged in their ear canals. In these circumstances, people may have pain or a reduction in their hearing, both of which may be improved by having the earwax removed. Excessive wax build up can be caused by putting small things in ears like a hearing aid, hair pins, headphones & ear plugs, cotton swabs, etc. Putting these things in ear pushes the wax further down the canal.
Symptoms of ear wax build up include:
> Decreased hearing
> Dizziness
> Ear pain
> Plugged or fullness sensation
> Ringing in the ear
> Itching or drainage from the ear canal

The ear wax has major roles:

Cleaning: Ear wax has antimicrobial properties and studies have found it helps protect the ear against a range of bacteria.

 Guarding against bacteria: Modern studies have provided evidence of the how ear wax can reduce the viability of a range of bacteria. For example, Haemophilus influenzae, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus can sometimes be reduced by up to 99%. This is due to the slight acidity of the cerumen and the presence of saturated fatty acids and lysozyme.

 Lubrication: Ear wax acts as a natural lubricant, preventing the ear canal skin from drying out. However, ear wax can also build up excessively and ear wax blockages can occur, which can result in a range of symptoms. The problem can be easily detected and treated at our clinic.