Earwax management is a critical part of maintaining good ear health. However, many either overlook it or do not manage it properly.
Because we understand the importance of proper earwax management, Physicians Hearing Care provides our patients with safe and effective earwax removal as well as guidance for proper management.
Our team has put together a comprehensive guide to help earwax management for better hearing health.
Understanding Earwax
Earwax is your ears’ way of staying clean and healthy. Just enough helps sweep away debris, provides lubrication, and prevents the growth of bacteria and fungus. However, too much earwax can cause problems with your hearing aids or block your ear canal, leading to muffled hearing.
Some Dos and Don’ts of Earwax Removal
There are several dos and don’ts to keep in mind when it comes to ear hygiene.
Avoid Cotton Swabs:
Although cotton swabs seem like the right tool for removing earwax, they actually cause more problems. In addition to the risk of damaging your eardrum or ear canal, you are more apt to pack the earwax deeper and tighter against your eardrum.
Do NOT Use Earwax Candles:
This remedy not only runs the risk of burning your ear and/or ear canal, but it really isn’t an effective solution either.
Over-the-Counter Solutions:
Some OTC solutions can help to soften earwax so it will fall out, but they can also cause irritation in your ears if they are not properly formulated. Mineral oil and saline solutions are typically the best options.
Before using any OTC option, please consult your audiologist or ENT. To use them, tilt your head to allow the drops to penetrate to the eardrum. Gently pull on your earlobe in different directions to help achieve maximum penetration. After allowing the solution to work for a few minutes, tilt your head so that the softened wax and solution fall from your ear.
External Ear Cleaning:
Use a warm, damp cloth to wipe the outer ear gently and remove any residual wax. Avoid inserting the cloth or any other object into the ear canal.
Consult a Specialist:
If you’re experiencing discomfort, hearing loss, or excess buildup that just won’t go away, your next step is to consult a professional. Audiologists and hearing care providers have the expertise and tools for safe and effective earwax removal.
For any concerns about earwax buildup, schedule an appointment with an audiologist or ENT specialist. They can provide personalized advice and treatment.
Stay Informed:
Keep up to date with the latest guidelines on ear health by visiting reputable websites like the American Academy of Audiology.
Regular Checkups:
If earwax buildup is a chronic condition, be sure to schedule regular appointments for monitoring and cleaning, especially if you wear hearing aids, because earwax buildup traps moisture and can damage or limit the performance of your device.
In addition, regular cleaning can help prevent the development of bacteria and fungi that can cause irritation and infection.
What We Offer at Physicians Hearing Care
We provide safe, in-office earwax removal services that are quick and painless by using advanced equipment and techniques, such as:
Curette and Suction: For particularly challenging cases, your audiologist may use a curette and suction. Because we are able see better from our vantage point and have the proper training, this is a gentle alternative to earwax removal that does not damage your ear.
Our Earwax Management Service
Our earwax management service is available to anyone over the age of 6 and includes:
- ZAn examination of your ears using an otoscope in order to identify earwax, infections,
- and other ear conditions
- ZEarwax removal using irrigation and/or curette and suction
- ZA complimentary hearing assessment if no earwax is present
Proper earwax management is a critical part of maintaining ear health. While there are effective home remedies, it’s crucial to understand the dos and don’ts to avoid complications.
At Physicians Hearing Care, we are dedicated to providing professional and safe earwax removal services. If your ears are feeling a bit stuffy or you need a routine check, you can contact us by using this link, or call us at our clinic location nearest you:
