Many bodily functions are about maintaining a complex equilibrium, and one of the most misunderstood of these is the role of earwax and when it needs to be removed.
For most people, earwax is not only a perfectly normal part of the body but an essential component to help trap dust, hair, dirt, bacteria and water to avoid damage and infection to the ear canal and eardrum. Earwax is also generally removed by the ear itself over time as your jaw moves.
However, if too much earwax is allowed to build up or it becomes compacted through attempts to remove it, it can create a blockage that can lead to an ear infection.
The blockage itself can be treated very quickly through treatments such as microsuction, one of the safest, fastest and most effective ways to clean the ear and clear blockages, not only allowing for better hearing again but also reducing the risk of complications.
In most normal circumstances, clearing the blockage is enough to relieve any symptoms of ear wax build-up, such as loss of hearing, tinnitus, dizziness or earache, but it is also an important step to relieve an ear infection.
Ear blockages and ear infections are interconnected, as the lack of drainage of moisture can create the perfect environment for bacteria and fungi to grow.
Whilst ear wax itself does not cause an ear infection and the symptoms of a fully blocked ear are different to an ear infection, they can in some cases make it easier for an infection to develop, especially if the ear canal is allowed to get wet and the compacted wax cannot escape.
Ultimately, if you feel like you have suddenly lost some of your hearing, feel pressure or pain in your ear or feel other symptoms, get in touch with an ear specialist today, as it may take one short, same-day procedure to get rid of your symptoms entirely.
