Causes Of Earwax Buildup: A Potentially Life-Altering Problem

Hearing Aids

Similar to earbuds, if you have to use hearing aids, you're in the same boat as individuals who regularly use earbuds. Except, because hearing aids need to be worn practically all of the time, patients are in even more danger of developing high levels of wax. Because the ear tends to produce more wax when there's a foreign object in the ear, such as a hearing aid, it's going to be producing more and more wax so long as the hearing aid inside of the ear.

This can create quite a few problems. For one, similar to earbuds, a hearing aid keeps the ear from being able to perform its usual cleaning process. Old earwax remains trapped inside of the ear, and you're left with a few health problems. However, earwax can also have an unfortunate impact on the hearing aid itself. A buildup of earwax on the hearing aid can eventually degrade the delicate components that make it work. As such, you have to buy new ones or have them repaired. Take the aids out consistently to clean them and allow your ear to undergo its natural cleaning process.

Read on to reveal how a common practice to remove earwax can actually result in earwax buildup.

Inserting Cotton Buds Into The Ear

Individuals who have noticed up an earwax buildup in their ear may immediately head for the old inserting cotton buds into ear method of relief. This, however, is actually a bad idea. For one, you're faced with the foreign invader methodology again. The ear doesn't recognize the cotton bud and as such produces more wax to remove the cotton. Second, you're actually doing more harm than good. A cotton bud can't do too much in regards to cleaning your ears. They basically end up pushing the wax further down the ear, which can cause earwax impaction, as well as a lot of infections and aches.

The cotton bud can also rupture the inner eardrum if you're not careful. Not only is rupturing the eardrum extremely painful, but it could also have a severe impact on your hearing for the rest of your life. If you feel the need to clean your ears, focus on the outer ear with some soap and water and cloth instead.

Learn more about the causes of earwax buildup now.