What Causes an Increase in Earwax Production?

Earwax is a naturally occurring phenomenon that is part of the body’s defense mechanisms. In other words, if you notice a little earwax inside your ear every now and then, this is completely normal. However, in some cases, you might experience high amounts of earwax appearing very frequently. This is linked to an increase in earwax production. Why does it happen, and how can you manage safe ear cleaning without affecting your ear health?

What is Earwax Production

Earwax, also called cerumen, is produced by glands in the outer ear canal. The secreted substance creates a wax-like material once it mixes with dead skin cells, hair and dirt. This is designed to lubricate the ear canal and clean it. It also provides protection by removing unwanted debris and particles from the ear canal. In other words, earwax production is necessary to maintain your ear health.

Genetics and Anatomy

First of all, it is important to appreciate that every individual is different. Some people may genetically be disposed to produce a high amount of earwax. In other words, if excessive earwax is a problem in your family, it is likely to affect you too.

Your ear anatomy can also lead to increased earwax production. People with small, narrow, hairy or bendy ear canals, for example, are prone to excessive earwax production and even buildups.

Old Age

Earwax, the self-ear cleaning mechanism of the body, can become less efficient in old age. The glands in the ear may lead to the production of drier earwax, which is harder to remove. As a result, earwax can also cause buildups and blockages inside the ear canal.

Environmental and Lifestyle Factors

However, there may be other reasons why your ears produce more earwax. Environmental factors can influence earwax production. For example, if you are exposed to high levels of dust as part of your day-to-day life, either at work or at home, your ears will need to produce more earwax to remove the excess debris.

Additionally, lifestyle factors can also prevent the natural earwax exit way by blocking the ear canal or the inner ear. This can happen if you use cotton buds for ear cleaning purposes. Cotton swabs tend to push the earwax inside the ear canal, which can cause an increase in earwax production to push the earwax outward again. Similarly, hearing aids wearers are also prone to excessive earwax production, especially inside the canal hearing aids that can sit in the earwax pathway.

Ear Cleaning Solutions for Excessive Earwax

If you notice you experience increased earwax production, the last thing you should be doing is trying to remove it yourself by pushing something into the ear canal. Indeed, pushing cotton swab, ear candle or syringe inside the ear canal can make the situation worse by:

• Causing a blockage.
• Causing damage to the inner canal.
• Potentially rupturing the eardrum.

Instead, we strongly recommend reaching out to an audiologist for a professional ear cleaning. Additionally, an audiologist can also help you find everyday lifestyle adjustments and safe routines to manage earwax production and prevent blockages.