ear wax anatomy
Although it may seem strange but having small amounts of wax in the ear canals is in fact advantageous!
Earwax is made of 3 main substances: keratin (dead skin cells), cerumen (a wax like substance) and sebum (an oily secretion from the sebaceous glands). Earwax plays a key role in protecting the lining of the ear canals from any damage, by aiding the migration of bacteria and dirt out of the canal. It also acts as a lubrication for the canal.
The texture of earwax can range from wet to dry as factors such as, ethnicity and age can impact this.
You may have heard of the saying that “everyone is different”, and this applies to ear wax too as some people are just more likely to build up wax than others. When earwax builds up to an excessive level it can impact hearing, cause discomfort to the individual, result in dizziness and even bring about Tinnitus (ringing/buzzing in the ears). However, excessive wax may not always result in hearing impairment but when it does it is most likely due to wax being deep in the canal, pressing onto the Tympanic Membrane (Ear Drum). This is one of the main reasons why using earbuds is not recommended by ear specialists, as this is the most likely causation of deep ear wax. Other factors that can cause excess ear wax include, water entering the ear (when showering/swimming) and the regular insertion of ear moulds/ear phones for hearing and music purposes (this can push wax deeper or prevent it from migrating out of the ear canal).
Now let us talk about HOW we hear.
Above is an illustration of the ear and how we hear!
The ear has 3 compartments: outer, middle and inner. All 3 compartments are vital to hear effectively. There are sound waves in the air that travel through the ear canal causing the Ear Drum to vibrate. This vibration travels through to the middle ear passing by the chain of bones (Malleus, Incus and Stapes). This in turn allows the vibration to travel to the cochlea in the inner ear where the auditory nerve will carry these signals to the brain, allowing us to hear.
Now, when wax has excessively built up it can stop or reduce the vibration of these sound waves through the Ear Drum resulting in hearing impairment.
Lucky for you we can provide you a professional service to have the excessive build-up of wax removed professionally!PLEASE CALL US ON 07511766500 TO BOOK YOUR EAR WAX REMOVAL APPOINTMENT TODAY, ALTERNATIVELY, CLICK THE BUTTON BELOW TO REQUEST A CALL BACK