05/12/2023
UNDERSTANDING EARWAX
Earwax, or cerumen, is a yellowish, waxy substance naturally produced by ear canal glands. It comprises secretions from those glands, dead skin, and debris.
Earwax has a bad reputation; let’s face it. Yet it protects against infection.
Here’s how earwax looks after us every day:
Moisturises the skin in the ear to keep it nicely hydrated
Serves as a barrier, preventing anything entering the ear, from dust to insects
Protects the ear canal
Carries dead skin cells and debris away from your ear drum.
It is continually moving, much like a marching army always protecting your ears and hearing around the clock.
If functioning effectively, the wax will leave the body without issue. If there is a build-up, you may experience hearing loss and need wax removal from a trained and experienced audiologist.
Some people produce more wax than others and may need the build-up of wax removed from time to time.