The outer ear canal has glands that produce a wax-like substance called cerumen. This is a normal and protective process that repels water and traps dust particles, microbes, and dead skin cells. Eventually, this accumulated ear wax dries up and falls out of the ear canal. In fact, the absence of ear wax is linked to dry, itchy ears, and sometimes infections. Hence, the removal of ear wax is not required under ideal circumstances.
However, excessive buildup of ear wax can cause pain, itching, irritation, and a feeling of fullness in the ear. Hearing loss and ringing in the ears (tinnitus) might also be experienced.
In such cases, it may be necessary to remove excessive ear wax. A variety of over-the-counter (OTC) products and aids are available for the same. If multiple attempts to remove the buildup are ineffective, see an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.
To prevent excessive wax buildup avoid putting small things like hairpins, headphones, cotton buds, etc. in your ears. These objects can push the wax further down the ear canal.
