Earwax build-up treatment

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Consult with our health coaches who will learn about your symptoms, habits, and goals.

Take personalized home health tests to discover potential root causes of any symptoms or conditions you may have.

Review your results in just days with our functional medicine doctors, nurses, and dietitians who will help you achieve optimal health.

Learn about Earwax build-up

Earwax, medically known as cerumen, is a natural substance produced by glands in the ear canal. Its primary purpose is to protect the ear by trapping dust and small particles, preventing them from reaching the eardrum. While it's a normal and essential part of ear health, excessive earwax build-up can lead to discomfort, hearing loss, tinnitus, and sometimes infection. Understanding its natural treatments is vital, as these methods can offer relief without the need for invasive procedures. Earwax build-up is relatively common, affecting people of all ages, but it's more prevalent among the elderly, those who use hearing aids, and individuals who frequently use earplugs.

Causes

Several factors contribute to excessive earwax accumulation. The most common include the natural aging process, which makes earwax drier and harder to expel naturally. Regular use of earphones, hearing aids, and earplugs can also push wax deeper into the ear canal. Additionally, certain genetic predispositions can lead to the production of too much earwax. It's also noteworthy that attempts to clean the ear with cotton swabs often backfire, pushing the wax further into the ear rather than removing it.

Signs and symptoms

- Hearing loss - Earache or discomfort in the ear - Fullness or pressure in the ear - Tinnitus or ringing in the ear - Itchiness in the ear canal - Dizziness - Odor or discharge from the ear canal

Diagnosing Earwax build-up

Diagnosis of earwax build-up is typically straightforward. A healthcare provider will review your symptoms and history and perform a physical examination, often using an otoscope—a lighted instrument that allows a detailed view of the outer ear canal and eardrum. This examination helps to confirm the presence of excess wax and rule out other conditions such as infections or foreign bodies in the ear.

Prevention and natural treatment

Preventing earwax build-up revolves around avoiding things that can push wax deeper into the ear, such as cotton swabs or earbuds. Instead, cleaning the outer ear with a damp cloth and using earwax softening drops if necessary can help. For natural treatment, several methods can be safely attempted at home. Warm olive or almond oil drops are a gentle way to soften earwax. Over-the-counter ear drops made from natural substances, such as hydrogen peroxide or saline solution, can also be effective. Performing ear irrigation with a bulb syringe filled with warm water may help in removing loosened wax. However, it's important to proceed with caution to avoid damaging the ear. For persistent or severe earwax build-up, consulting with a healthcare provider is essential. They may recommend professional ear cleaning using safer and more effective techniques, such as microsuction. Functionally, addressing underlying factors, like ensuring proper hydration and diet to support overall ear health, can also play a role in prevention.

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