Earwax is very important for maintaining ear health. Some people may believe that earwax is unpleasant or simply unnecessary, however, it actually serves as a natural defence for the ear. If you remove earwax too often it can lead to multiple problems such as discomfort, ear infections, and also hearing issues.
Earwax has its own unique purpose. It serves as a protective barrier to prevent any dirt and bacteria from entering the ear canal. It also keeps the ear canal moisturised, which stops it from becoming dry and irritated, which could ultimately lead to the ears becoming itchy and uncomfortable.
Removing earwax too often can do more harm than good. Using objects such as cotton buds or hairpins can push the wax deeper into the ear canal which can cause it to become blocked. When ears become impacted by wax, this can further result in issues such as hearing loss, infection, and Tinnitus, which is known as ringing in the ears.
Ears tend to be self-cleaning and naturally remove earwax out of the ear canal by themselves. However, sometimes you may need them professionally cleaning by a doctor or audiologist if it’s causing you any discomfort or other complications. Having them cleaned by a specialist is the safest option.
The best way for ears to maintain their natural balance is to avoid cleaning them out too often. You should only clean the outer ear with a damp towel or cloth and ensure you don’t insert any objects into the ear canal.
