EAR WAX
An existing hearing loss can be exacerbated by the presence of ear wax. Ear wax can significantly reduce the transmission of sound by blocking the ear canal, blocking the sound from exiting the hearing aid, or causing damage to internal components of the hearing aid. What Is Ear Wax? Ear wax is a normal product of the ear. Ear wax is primarily composed of keratin (dead skin) with a mixture of cerumen, sweat, dust, and other debris. The amount and consistency of ear wax vary from person to person. Ear wax can vary in color from yellow to orange or reddish-brown to dark brown or almost black. It may be nearly liquid or thick, sticky or dry, or soft or hard. Wax type is genetically inherited, although the appearance of wax may vary from time to time in the same person. Cerumen type has been used by anthropologists to track human migratory patterns, such as those of the Inuit. There are two main types, wet and dry. Dry flaky wax is common in persons of Asian descent and Native Americans. Dry wax contains by weight about 20% lipid. Wet wax is common in people of Western European descent (Caucasians) and people of African descent. Wet wax can be either soft or hard, with hard wax being more likely to be impacted.
