Ivor Lewis
As a fully qualified Fellowship member of both the British, and the Irish Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists, he has years of advanced training both locally and nationally.
Find Out More About Ivor
We’re not usually aware of our earwax unless it builds up and causes a problem, but this clever substance serves a vital purpose in keeping our ear canals clean and getting rid of bacteria and dirt that could threaten our hearing if not removed from the ears.
Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a natural bodily excretion and helps our ears to function as they should. However, it is also the subject of a few fascinating facts, and it might help you to feel better about the unsavoury image you have of earwax if you appreciate the job it’s doing for you!
Five Facts About Earwax
1. It was the original lip balm. Yes, as unappetizing as it sounds, this was an alleged use of earwax in the good, old days. It’s said to relieve burning and itching and prevent wound formation, so it’s perfect for saving your lips on those cold, windy days!
2. It may hold clues to your history. Apparently, it’s possible to trace your ethnic origin from the consistency of your earwax. A study carried out by Nature Genetics in 2006 showed that a gene mutation common to East Asians tends to make earwax dry, perhaps as a genetic adaptation to lessen sweat in the cold climate. Wet and sticky earwax, by contrast, indicates African or European descent.
3. It can be used to diagnose certain diseases. Some experts believe that earwax can be useful as a source of information or to identify certain diseases, due to the odour it gives off. Two odour-producing metabolic diseases, maple syrup urine disease and alkaptonuria, can be identified using earwax even before they can be diagnosed through blood and urine tests.
4. It’s good for you. Earwax is released by cells in the ear canal, helping to ward off ear infections and kill bacteria, including E. Coli, H. Influenzae and Staph. Aureus. This is why it’s not a good idea to clean every bit of earwax out, especially using cotton buds, which can push wax further into the ear canal and create blockages or even a burst eardrum.
5. It’s linked to body odour. The type of earwax that a person produces is linked to whether or not they produce underarm odour. Wet earwax indicates an increased chance of sweating, while those with dry earwax are much less likely to produce underarm odour.
Ear Wax Removal Service at Hidden Hearing
Here at Hidden Hearing, we offer an earwax removal service. This service involves attentive care from our professional audiologists and uses irrigation to gently and effectively remove excess wax. You can apply for an earwax removal online, and we will contact you to arrange at appointment at your nearest branch.
Hidden Hearing is Ireland’s leading private provider of hearing care solutions. We have a great range of hearing aids that you can try, including digital hearing aids that are discreet, comfortable and highly sensitive. Contact us online today or pop into your local branch to see how we can help.
