Can earwax damage your brain?

Earwax buildup can also lead to surprising outcomes in mood and functioning of the brain itself. As Healthline reported earlier this year, studies have linked hearing loss with cognitive decline and dementia — which can be exacerbated by cerumen impaction.

Can you go deaf from ear wax?

To put simply, yes, earwax can cause hearing loss. In fact, an earwax impaction is the most common cause of conductive hearing loss that there is. When wax builds up too much, it can become stuck in place, and acts as a barrier that stops sound from traveling into the inner ear as it normally would.

Can excess earwax cause headaches?

You have an earwax impaction Earwax impactions occur when too much earwax accumulates inside of the ear canal and get stuck. When this happens, temporary hearing loss can occur, and it can be very uncomfortable for the sufferer. Earwax impactions can also cause headaches, and in some cases balance issues.

Why do I eat my earwax?

But, it’s important to keep in mind, that this type of behavior is a legitimate thing: According to the National Eating Disorders Association, there’s an eating disorder called Pica, which “involves eating items that are not typically thought of as food and that do not contain significant nutritional value, such as …

What color should ear wax be?

Light brown, orange or yellow earwax is healthy and normal. Children tend to have softer, lighter-colored earwax. White, flaky earwax indicates you lack a body-odor producing chemical. Dark-colored, sticky earwax indicates you should probably use deodorant.

Why does earwax taste so nasty?

Why does ear wax have such a sour, bitter taste? “[The acidity] has to do with [ear wax’s] antifungal and antibacterial properties,” he said. “It’s part of the natural defense of fighting infection in the ear.” It’s true: Ear wax isn’t just gross stuff you try to scrape out of your ear canals with q-tip.

Is it safe to remove ear wax myself?

Wax removal is most safely done by a doctor. Your ear canal and eardrum are delicate and can be damaged easily by excess earwax. Don’t try to remove earwax yourself with any device placed into your ear canal, especially if you have had ear surgery, have a hole (perforation) in your eardrum, or are having ear pain or drainage.

What happens if you have too much earwax?

While earwax is essential, excess of it can lead to problems like earwax blockage and buildup. Earwax appearance ranges between light yellow and dark brown. A darker colored wax does not necessarily signify a blockage.

Can earwax cause hearing loss and tinnitus?

Earwax can contribute to a variety of problems, including temporary hearing loss and tinnitus – “ringing” of the ears. However, it is not usually possible to know if earwax is the cause of a health problem unless you see a specialist. They can rule out any underlying issues.

What causes ear wax to build up?

What Causes Increased Ear Wax Production? Everyone produces earwax naturally, and earwax build-up is not necessarily a sign of increased earwax production in the body. Genetic factors can lead to dry earwax that seems to build up more easily.