When was the last time you thought about caring for your ears? Our hearing is one of those things we take for granted - until we experience a loss, infection or a blockage of ear wax deep in the ear canal.
Ear wax has another name.
Ear wax- sometimes referred to by its correct medical term, Cerumen - is not actually wax. It gets its name from its waxy, sticky texture. The exact recipe for earwax requires a good dose of sebum (a body secretion made up mostly of fat), skin cells, sweat and dirt.
Ear wax is important.
In moderation, earwax is important, and it is produced to protect the ear canal and drum. It's secreted by glands in the skin called the sebaceous glands, and the wax and tiny hairs in these passages trap dust and other foreign particles that could cause damage deeper in the ear canal.
Earwax can change colour.
The consistency of your ear wax varies depending on how long it has been in the ear canal, as well as the environment you live and work in. Generally, the longer the ear wax is inside the ear canal, the harder in texture and darker in colour it becomes.
NEVER stick ANYTHING into your ears.
Most audiologists and healthcare professionals will say that nothing smaller than your elbow should go into your ear. Keep away from cotton buds and paper clips to get those deep itches.
Ear wax is a common cause of hearing problems.
Ear wax can create problems for hearing when it starts to build up in our ears, especially when the ear wax becomes impacted. This is when it is suggested to have ear wax removal. Symptons of impacted wax include hearing loss, earache, dizziness and a sense of fullness or itchiness in the ear.
If you are experiencing any of the above symptons and require wax remova, please call the Alresford Hearing Studio on 01962 790749.