Why do I get impacted ear wax?

I often get asked in Looe or Launceston Clinic this question, and it usually comes down to one or a combination of the following three reasons:

1) Using a foriegn object to remove the wax such as a cotton bud

Using a cotton bud can remove a significant amount of ear wax effectively, however because of the inherent irregular shape of the ear canal not all the wax is likely to be removed and can even be 'pushed' or impacted by the bud leaving fragments of wax that then cause a build up of wax behind the wax. This then stays put and oxidises (becomes darker in colour) thereby stopping the natural migration of wax out of the ear canal. This can then lead to complications beneath the impacted wax, such as canal cholesteatomas or trapped moisture cuasing irritation and possible out ear infections (Otitis Externa). Lastly, there have been quite a few cases of people using Cottton Buds (or hair clips..) and perforating their ear drum (Tympanic Membrane). The ear canal is on average 2.5 cm deep and the ear drum is only three layers thick and isnt going to withstand much pressure before a perforation occurs. Not to mention children accidently knocking ones elblow and making short work of a delicate ear drum. Therefore the best advise is to not insert anything in the ear canal and use a tissue to wipe the wax away in your concha (outside your ear canal) to avoid a unaesthetic exuberance of wax.

2) Hereditary Alot of the time, unfortuately genetics are a strong compenent as to whether someone gets impacted wax. This generally means that your ears produces ear wax at a rate that the natural migration can not keep up with. This may be due to more glands present or over active glands. You may need to get your ears cleaned on a more regular basis to maintain your hearing and prevent complications.

3) Your ears are too dry Generally as you get older (and wiser) the ratio of shedding skin (endothelial cells) to curumen is that it doesn't migrate out of the ear canal as it is too 'dry'. This can be helped by using Earol (or similar) to 'mimic' the oil that you are not producing enough of.

If symptoms persist, professional ear wax removal in Looe or Launceston Clinic is recommended.