Ear Wax Removal

Cerumen, also known as earwax, is a normal and natural process that helps to protect your ear from dirt and debris. But wax can become an issue if there’s too much or if it doesn’t drain properly. This can cause it to build up in the ear canal, which can lead to discomfort and problems with hearing.

Understanding the Ear's Cleaning System

Your ears are unique in that they have their own cleaning system. Your body produces earwax to clean the ears and prevent debris and harmful bacteria from getting into the ear canal. The system is designed to push excess wax to the surface of the ear when it can be removed very quickly and easily using a damp cloth. In many cases, the system works well. However, there is a risk of excessive wax production. If this occurs, a wax plug or buildup may form. This can affect your hearing, and increase the risk of hard, impacted wax deposits collecting inside the ear canal.

Symptoms and Signs of Wax Buildup

Earwax is usually a very helpful substance, but if there’s an excess, it can be problematic. Symptoms of wax buildup include:

Itchy ears
A feeling of dampness in the ears
Feeling like the ears are full or blocked
Minor hearing loss

In some cases, wax buildup can cause serious issues, including infection. In this case, the following signs may be apparent:

Earache
Fever
Dizziness
Drainage
Loss of hearing
Loss of balance
Nausea

If you have any of these symptoms, it’s wise to seek advice from a hearing care professional as soon as possible.

When To See a Professional for Ear Cleaning

It’s advisable to see a hearing care professional for ear cleaning if you suspect that you have a buildup of wax inside your ear, or you’re prone to wax buildup or impaction. Hearing care professionals can use safe and effective cleaning techniques to remove excess wax without putting your ears at risk. DIY methods and fads like ear candling can damage your ears and have a negative impact on your hearing, so it’s best to leave ear cleaning to the professionals. If you wear hearing aids, you might find that you’re more likely to experience problems with earwax, and it’s a good idea to schedule regular sessions with a hearing health professional. Some people, most commonly older people, produce more wax than others. If you have a high risk of wax buildup, a hearing healthcare professional may advise you to arrange frequent cleaning appointments.

The ears are capable of cleaning themselves, but sometimes, things don’t quite go as planned, and too much wax is produced. This can cause hard deposits to form inside the ear. If you have excessive wax, there may be a risk of infection, and you could also experience hearing loss. If you are struggling with discomfort, or you’re finding it hard to keep your ears clean at home, it’s wise to seek advice from a hearing care professional and to organize regular sessions to prevent further problems and keep your ears clean and healthy.