Earwax acts as a natural barrier, helping to protect the ear canal by trapping dust, dirt and other particles. This natural substance, known as cerumen, is produced by glands in the ear canal and acts as a barrier against infections and debris. Typically, earwax moves naturally to the outer ear, where it dries up and falls out without us even noticing. However, there are times when this self-cleaning process may be disrupted, leading to a buildup that can cause discomfort or hearing issues.
The audiologists at Advanced Audiology are trained to handle earwax issues safely and effectively. If you’re experiencing symptoms such as hearing loss, a sensation of fullness in the ear or ringing sounds, these could be signs of impacted earwax.
At-Home Earwax Removal
The easiest solution is often to remove the extra earwax yourself at home. This may be done safely with an earwax removal kit, but you should always discuss this option with your audiologist or doctor before purchasing. These can be bought over-the-counter in pharmacies and general stores, as well as online.
At-home earwax removal kits typically use a solution to soften the earwax, making it easier to remove naturally. These kits often include ear drops made of hydrogen peroxide or saline, which are applied directly into the ear canal. After allowing the drops to sit for a few minutes, the softened wax is usually flushed out with a gentle stream of warm water using a bulb syringe. This process can help clear minor earwax build-up safely, although it’s important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid any potential harm to the ear.
Earwax Removal Methods to Avoid
Using cotton swabs in your ears can do more harm than good, despite their widespread use for ear cleaning. Instead of removing earwax, cotton swabs tend to push it deeper into the ear canal, increasing the risk of impaction. This can lead to blockages, discomfort and even hearing loss if the wax is pressed against the eardrum.
Additionally, inserting cotton swabs into the ear can damage the delicate skin inside the ear canal, potentially causing infections or even perforating the eardrum. It’s safer to let earwax naturally move out of the ear on its own or seek professional assistance for removal when needed.
Professional Earwax Removal
If you have a more severe earwax blockage, we recommend that you come into our office for care. We can evaluate the situation and remove the blockage safely so you’re not at risk. Each technique has its own approach and is chosen based on the patient’s specific needs and the nature of the earwax buildup.
Irrigation involves gently flushing the ear canal with a liquid solution, usually water or a saline mixture. This method uses a syringe or a specialized irrigation device to carefully introduce the fluid into the ear canal, helping to soften and dislodge the wax. The fluid then flows out, carrying the loosened wax along with it. While effective, this method requires caution, as improper technique or pressure could potentially damage the eardrum.
Curettage is a manual method that uses a small, curved instrument called a curette to remove earwax. The audiologist carefully inserts the curette into the ear canal and gently scoops out the wax. This method allows for direct removal and is particularly effective for hardened or impacted wax. Curettage requires skill and precision to avoid injury to the ear canal or eardrum.