Earwax is a common substance found in each individual’s ears and is usually not a cause for concern. Excessive earwax, on the other hand, can lead to several complications and uncomfortable symptoms. Gaining an understanding of the characteristics of general earwax and impacted earwax can help to identify issues early, allowing you to be proactive and decrease the likelihood of complications. Keep on reading to learn about how you can distinguish between the two:
Normal Earwax
Earwax, otherwise known as cerumen, plays a pivotal role in protecting ears. Earwax helps to trap dirt and debris from entering the ear canal and also helps lubricate the inner ear. When present in normal amounts, it often goes unnoticed as it does not usually cause symptoms. The texture is often soft and the colour is usually dark brown.
Impacted Earwax
- Earache: Impacted earwax can cause pressure in the ear canal and can push against the walls of the inner ear, ultimately causing irritation and discomfort.
- Hearing Loss: A buildup of earwax can disrupt sound waves from entering the ear correctly, resulting in temporary hearing loss and a perception of sound being muffled.
- Tinnitus: For some, excessive earwax can cause a ringing sensation in the ear known as tinnitus.
- Feeling of Fullness: Earwax blockages can result in a feeling of fullness in the affected ear.
If you believe that you are suffering from symptoms of an earwax blockage, contact Ear Wax Care today to take a step towards clean and healthy ears. Our NHS-trained audiologists take pride in helping individuals like yourselves make the most out of their hearing. With Ear Wax Care, you couldn’t be in safer hands.
