Earwax removal is a common procedure used to treat excessive or impacted earwax buildup in the ear canal. The accumulation of earwax can cause hearing difficulties, pain, discomfort, ringing in the ear, and other symptoms.
If you are experiencing symptoms related to earwax buildup, it is recommended to seek the advice of an audiologist for proper evaluation and treatment.
Contact us today to schedule an earwax removal appointment!
How Do You Know If You Have An Ear Wax Problem?
While earwax is a naturally occurring body substance, too much earwax production may lead to problems that could affect the auditory system.
A person with too much earwax may experience one or more of the following:
- Tinnitus or ringing in the ear
- Hearing difficulties or muffled sounds in the affected ear
- Discomfort in the ear
- Earache
- Dizziness
- Partial loss of hearing
- A feeling of fullness in the ear
If you experience any of these symptoms, you may have an earwax buildup. However, only an audiologist or physician can accurately diagnose earwax buildup and rule out other issues.
How Do You Clean Your Ears?
Ear cleaning is a vital part of maintaining overall ear health. However, it is very crucial to do it correctly to avoid causing harm to the delicate parts of your ears.
To clean your ears, you can use a soft towel or washcloth to gently clean the outer part of your ears. Make sure to keep your ears dry to avoid harboring moisture that makes bacteria thrive.
Please avoid using cotton swabs, bobby pins, or any other small, pointed objects to clean your ears. Doing so can push the earwax further into the ear canal which could potentially cause damage to the delicate parts of the ear.
Stay away from ear candles. No matter how much hype they get on the internet, no scientific or clinical test has proven that they are effective in ridding the ears of excess wax.
If you suspect that you have excessive earwax, it is best to have an appointment with an audiologist for proper assessment and treatment. Audiologists are trained to handle a wide range of auditory problems and can recommend the best method for removing earwax.
How Does An Audiologist Clean Ears?
Before performing earwax removal, an audiologist will first assess the amount and type of earwax present in the ear canal using an otoscope. The best method for removing the earwax will be based on the assessment.
The most common methods used by audiologists for earwax removal include irrigation, manual removal, and suction.
Audiologists are trained to perform earwax removal. We highly discourage attempting to remove earwax on your own because doing so may put your ears at risk for perforations or injuries.
Does earwax removal hurt?
Generally, earwax removal doesn’t hurt. It doesn’t require any form of anesthesia or painkillers.
It’s normal to feel some sort of tickling sensation during earwax removal. Some people actually enjoy earwax removal, comparing it to a spa-like experience.
How often should I get my ears professionally cleaned?
The frequency of professional ear cleaning depends on a variety of factors such as an individual’s earwax production, symptoms, and the presence of other medical conditions that may affect earwax.
For some people, earwax buildup may not be a concern and they may never need to have their ears cleaned professionally.
In general, it is recommended to have your ears professionally cleaned if you experience symptoms such as muffled sound, hearing difficulties, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), dizziness, earache, or a feeling of fullness in the ear. These symptoms may indicate that you have an earwax buildup that needs to be removed.
An audiologist can assess your ears and make recommendations on the frequency of professional ear cleaning.
Frequently Ask Questions About Ear Wax
Here are a few of the answers to the most common questions that we get from patients.
Why do I have so much earwax?
The amount and texture of earwax can vary from person to person based on a variety of factors, including age, genetics, and personal hygiene.
Some people may produce more earwax than others which could result in a buildup of earwax. People who regularly use earplugs, wear hearing aids or have narrow ear canals are prone to excessive earwax production.
Does earwax vary in color?
The texture and color of earwax can vary depending on the unique anatomy of an individual and their lifestyle. Earwax can range in color from light yellow to dark brown and its texture ranges from dry and flaky to soft and wet.
Are over-the-counter (OTC) earwax removal kits effective?
There are many OTC earwax removal products available that you can easily purchase. However, as audiologists, we would recommend that you have an audiologist check your ears first prior to using OTC earwax removal kits.
Having an audiologist check your ears prior to using OTC earwax removal kits will be beneficial on your part because they will be able to assess if the impaction can be addressed with earwax removal drops. There are some impactions that cannot be addressed by OTC earwax removal kits and would need professional earwax removal instead.
Professional Ear Wax Removal Services | Narragansett, RI
South County Hearing Services offers professional earwax removal services in Narragansett, RI, and nearby areas.
Let our expert audiologists handle your earwax woes and other hearing concerns. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
