Definition
Normally, earwax fulfils a number of important and useful functions. However, it can also clog the ear canal. If this is the case, one speaks of a earwax plug.
A plug of earwax can occur when either too much earwax is formed or the natural transport of the earwax out of the ear canal is no longer sufficient. Another reason can be an incorrect cleaning of the auditory canal. A plug of earwax usually becomes noticeable by a hearing loss on the affected side. However, other symptoms can often also occur. An earwax plug is usually harmless and can be easily removed.
Causes
In order for a plug of earwax to form, more earwax must be reproduced than can be removed. This leads to a build-up of earwax in the auditory canal, which causes it to be displaced. In most cases the causes for the formation of a earwax plug cannot be clearly determined.
Earwax is formed by surrounding sweat glands. Therefore, in situations where the body sweats more, more earwax is secreted. This can also be the case under stress over a longer period of time.
The reasons for a faulty removal of earwax can also be manifold. Probably the movement of the nearby jaw joint pushes the earwax out of the ear canal. If this is restricted, earwax can accumulate.
Often, however, incorrect cleaning of the ear with cotton swabs is the cause of a earwax plug. If you use cotton swabs to remove the earwax, it is easy to push some of the wax back into the ear canal. There it condenses.
If cotton swabs are regularly inserted into the ear, a plug of earwax is formed in the depth of the auditory canal. This is one of the reasons why cotton swabs should no longer be used to clean the ears. Regular wearing of earplugs or headphones can also be a cause.
Diagnosis
An earwax plug is easy to diagnose. Usually a doctor is consulted because of a hearing loss on the affected side. After describing the symptoms, the doctor usually looks first into the ear affected by the hearing loss.
He uses an ear funnel or otoscope to do this. The otoscope is an illuminated funnel on a handle. The tip of the otoscope is pushed into the ear canal.
This allows the doctor to better see inside the ear canal, which is now widened and illuminated by the otoscope. This is not painful. If an earwax plug is present, it is now visible to the doctor in the depth of the ear canal. You can find additional information under: Ear pain
