The accumulated cerumen is medically referred to as Earwax. Over production of cerumen is mainly triggered by the deficiency of Omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and magnesium.
Earwax build up
Increased levels of earwax aren't just annoying, they can also be a sign of poor levels of omega 3 which can, over time, contribute to hearing loss. Studies have shown a significant increase in levels of hearing protection for those who have sufficient levels of omega 3.
As a final note, a frequent build-up of earwax can often be traced to an omega-3 deficiency. Taking a high-quality animal-based omega-3 supplement, such as krill oil, or eating foods high in omega-3s, such as sardines, anchovies, and wild-caught Alaskan salmon, may remedy excess earwax buildup.
Excessive earwax may be caused by the shape of an individual's ear, ear trauma, scar tissue, water buildup, improper removal methods, and high amounts of ear hair. Older individuals are also more likely to have higher amounts of earwax.
A study finds that vitamin D deficiency is significantly associated with bilateral hearing loss at low frequencies. An American study has found that vitamin D deficiency is significantly associated with bilateral hearing loss at low frequencies (low-frequency hearing loss).
Vitamin B12 deficiency may cause the demyelination of neurons in the cochlear nerve, resulting in hearing loss.
Consuming dairy products such as milk, eggs and cheese in high quantities can lead to the excessive production of earwax in your ear canals. This is because dairy foods contain lactose. Dieticians have also noted a link between milk and earwax, but mostly for people who are lactose intolerant.
If earwax buildup continues, you may need to visit your health care provider once or twice a year for regular cleaning. Your health care provider may also recommend that you use earwax-softening agents such as saline, mineral oil or olive oil. This helps loosen the wax so that it can leave the ear more easily.
Stress or fear can actually increase your earwax production. The glands in the ear that assist secreting wax are called the apocrine glands. These glands are the same ones that are responsible for your smelliest sweat!
One hearing-related issue that zinc has been shown to help is sudden hearing loss. Research shows zinc supplementation can help recover and improve hearing for those experiencing sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL).
Put 2 or 3 drops of ordinary olive oil down the ear 2 or 3 times a day for 2-3 weeks. This softens the wax so that it then runs out of its own accord without harming the ear. You can continue for any length of time, but 3 weeks is usually enough. Surprisingly, you will not necessarily see wax come out.
Earwax, or cerumen, is usually amber orange to light brown, but it can vary between individuals and may give clues about a person's health. Red-tinged wax may be a sign of an injury, while greenish wax may indicate an infection, for instance. Earwax plays essential roles in ear health.
Magnesium along with Vitamins A, C & E plays an essential role in hearing health.
Dark brown or black colored earwax is typically older, so its color comes from the dirt and bacteria it has trapped. Adults tend to have darker, harder earwax. Dark brown earwax that is tinged with red may signal a bleeding injury. Light brown, orange or yellow earwax is healthy and normal.
Caffeine-rich products like coffee can trigger impacted wax. So, if you consume coffee daily, consider having your ears checked by a specialist to get a microsuction ear wax removal procedure. Your doctor may recommend cutting out caffeine foods completely or reducing your consumption.
Excessive ear wax. This symptom is a strange one, but patients who are tired of the gunk in their ears may find that increasing their omega-3 levels will help alleviate it. Aside from the annoyance of excessive ear wax, the buildup can lead to hearing loss. Consuming enough omega-3s can help protect your hearing.
Symptoms of B-12 deficiency can be subtle at first. Early symptoms may include a persistent tingling or prickly feeling in your feet or hands, weakness, numbness, imbalance, and mental problems such as confusion, depression, irritability and forgetfulness. Rarely, vitamin B-12 deficiency is a cause of dementia.
Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency may include:
Fatigue. Not sleeping well. Bone pain or achiness. Depression or feelings of sadness.
Therefore, conditions that affect the gut and digestion, like celiac disease, chronic pancreatitis, Crohn's disease, and cystic fibrosis, can reduce vitamin D absorption.
According to the National Library of Medicine, vitamin D deficiency can lead to a loss of bone density, which can contribute to osteoporosis and fractures (broken bones). Severe vitamin D deficiency can also lead to other diseases.