If you’re having a hard time hearing, it might be because of ear wax.
Earwax is a natural substance in your ears that’s meant to protect them from dirt and germs. However, if too much builds up inside your ears, it can affect your ability to hear clearly. This can lead to problems like tinnitus (ringing in the ears), dizziness and even vertigo!
We’ve got the solution for that. At HearCare Audiology, we provide professional and affordable solutions for all kinds of ear problems including ear wax removal. Our innovative tools will help remove all the ear wax in your ears without any pain or discomfort at all so you’ll be able to hear better than ever before.
What is ear wax? How do you know if you have it?
We all have earwax that cleans, protects, and lubricates the canals of our ears. But what if it becomes impacted? Many people treat cotton buds or Q-tips as the primary solution for ear wax. But what if we’re going to tell you that it’s not as safe as it looks?
Earwax is made up of glandular secretions and desquamated epithelial cells which clean, protect, and lubricate the external auditory canal. However if this mechanism fails to expel cerumen (ear wax) from the inner canal of an individual’s ear it may become impacted in a way that blocks or slows down its natural self-cleaning process.
Earwax blockages are often painful and can lead to temporary hearing loss. In fact, it’s the most common cause of earache. The symptoms of a blocked ear include feeling fullness in the affected ear, ringing or noises in the ear (tinnitus), and an overall sense of discomfort.
In some cases, you may need professional help from an audiologist to get relief from this condition.
Why should you leave ear wax removal to professionals?
Many people don’t realize how important earwax is and the consequences of removing it incorrectly. Ear wax removal can be a simple procedure, but if done wrong, it can leave you deaf for life!
To ensure that your ears are safe during any earwax removal procedures, go to an expert who knows what they’re doing— an audiologist. We will make sure that everything is taken care of properly without risking your hearing in the process. If you’re in the Indiana area and would want to get ear wax removal done by a professional, our doors at HearCare Audiology are open for you.
The Real Deal with Ear Wax Production
Humans produce ear wax to clean and protect their ears, but the amount of wax produced by an individual can vary. Earwax is made up of old skin cells and bits of food that get stuck to your eardrums every day and then dry out. If your ears are producing too much earwax, you may be a candidate for hearing aids that would need an appointment with an audiologist.
Some people have misconceptions about what needs to happen with their ears, for instance, that it needs to be rid of earwax regularly. Cleaning your ears does not need to be done regularly because it has its benefits for keeping them healthy by acting like an organic barrier against dirt and other particles that might enter through hairs or insects living inside the ear canal.
Factors that affect earwax production
Your earwax can be impacted by a number of factors, including the wearing of hearing aids or chronic infections.
The audiologist may discuss with you the factors that can affect earwax production in your ears. It’s possible that wearing your hearing aids could cause excess ear wax production, or if you have chronic infections in your ears, it might clog up the canal. The surgery or trauma from any previous surgeries could also be causing issues as well.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ear Wax Removal
What is ear wax?
Ear wax is a natural secretion that comes from some glands in your ear canal. The medical name for ear wax is cerumen. It can be compared to a gland that produces sweat, so basically, ear wax can be likened to ear sweat. Some people aren’t born with glands that produce ear wax which causes itchiness in the ears. Put simply, ear wax is an important, natural occurrence in the ear.
Why is ear wax removal important?
Ear wax is important for many reasons. Since it is made of wax, it primarily protects the ear from having stagnant water inside. Any moisture or water inside the ear can be drained easier thanks to the ear wax. Ear wax can also be considered as a natural lubricant, reducing itchiness or tickling sensation due to ear dryness. Since our ears are open and prone to foreign objects, dust, bugs and other small debris, ear wax helps repel foreign objects naturally. Its acidity also helps keep bacteria out of the ears as well.
However, too much of something is not really healthy, and this notion also applies to excess ear wax. Excess ear wax can affect your hearing and may also cause difficulties or physical obstruction during ear check-ups.
What ear wax removal service do you offer?
Audiologists are fully capable of cleaning out the ear canal, getting rid of excess ear wax and other dirt and debris. This procedure is done through surgical loops or simple removal or suction through an irrigation system. Our audiologists at HearCare Audiology are trained at cleaning and removing ear wax safely. We are located East of the Fort Wayne.
Does ear wax cause issues with hearing aids?
Ear wax can trigger or cause problems with hearing aids. Why? It’s because ear wax is designed to be drawn out from the ears. When you’re wearing hearing aids, you’re basically sticking something in your ear which traps or obstructs the natural flow of the ear wax.
This is why it is very important to go to a hearing care expert (audiologist) or ENT to regularly to remove the ear wax using sterile tools and proper techniques. Keep in mind that not all hearing healthcare providers are equipped to perform ear wax removal so you need to be very careful in choosing the right and accredited provider.
Can you remove ear wax at home?
Ear wax removal can be done at home. There are numerous ear drops or ear wax removal kits available at major drugstores. However, hearing care professionals do not really encourage ear wax removal at home. Why? It’s because you can’t really see what’s going on inside your ear and it may actually do more harm than good. Also, in the event that you have excessive or occluded ear wax, it is much better to see a hearing care professional so as not to aggravate the situation.
How do you know if you have ear wax build up?
Some people can sense or feel that they have an ear wax buildup. People with excessive ear wax build-up are most likely to experience a feeling of occlusion, a sensation of fullness in the ears, pain, discomfort and/or itchiness inside the ears.
Is hydrogen peroxide safe?
Hearing healthcare professionals would never recommend pure hydrogen peroxide in the ear canal. One reason is that hydrogen peroxide has a drying agent, so it can really dry the skin. Dryness inside the ears can lead to itchiness.
You might notice that most over-the-counter ear wax removal products are peroxide based, however, they are diluted. Never put pure or undiluted hydrogen peroxide in your ears. If you’re planning to do so, you might as well use over-the-counter ear wax removal kits.
Can you use cotton swabs?
Medical professionals would never recommend putting a Q-tip inserted into the ear canal. When you do that, you might see some evidence or discoloration on the Q-tip. Looking at the discharge or ear wax might make you think that you have successfully removed the ear wax. However, it doesn’t really work that way. If you really want to use Q-tips or cotton buds, you can use them on the outer part of the ear, like the bowl of the ear, the ridges, or the pinna. Again, inserting cotton swabs in the ear canal is highly discouraged.
Is ear wax removal painful?
Ear wax is typically not painful. However, it can cause pain when it is shoved very deep in the ear canal. When the ear wax is already trapped and accumulated near the eardrum, it may definitely cause a painful or uncomfortable sensation.
Can ear wax cause tinnitus or be mistaken for tinnitus?
When ear wax is trapped right against the eardrum, it can cause severe tinnitus, which can be really disturbing.
Fortunately, this type of tinnitus can be cured by simply removing the ear wax. However, if the ear wax is already removed but the patient is still suffering from tinnitus, it would be best to have an appointment with an ENT or hearing healthcare professional.