Cerumen – Ear Wax Management
What is Ear Wax?
Earwax, sometimes referred to as cerumen is a natural barrier that is made by sebaceous and apocrine sweat glands in the ear canal. Its purpose is to clean and protect the ears by trapping dirt and bacteria so they cannot get further inside the ear and create an ear infection. Occasionally, it can become impacted, resulting in blocked ears, ear discomfort, and temporary hearing loss. Earwax vary in colour from bright yellow to dark brown and can be dry or wet and still serve the same purposes.
Some people create more ear wax than others, but this is not indicative of poor hygiene. One can be more prone to developing ear wax buildup if:
- They have very narrow, bendy or hairy ear canals.
- They work in dirty or dusty environments.
- They clean your ears yourself, which can push wax further into the ear.
- Using headphones or a hearing aid on a regular basis.
- They are older because wax hardens with age and won't fall out as easily.
- Because of genetics, some people make too much earwax.
- People with dry earwax are more likely to get impacted earwax.
In addition to blocking sound from reaching your ears, excessive earwax can also trap allergens there. Too much earwax might cause the following symptoms:
- Reduced Hearing
- Dizziness
- Tinnitus (Ringing in ears)
- Ear pain or discomfort
- Feeling Blocked or full
- Impacted Ear wax may occasionally result in hearing loss or even an ear infection.
Usually ear wax flows out naturally and your Ears self-clean with everyday jaw movement, talking and chewing etc. and comes out unnoticed when you shower or take a bath. There are, however, some basic things you may do if you notice any symptoms of ear wax build-up.
- Avoid trying to remove the ear wax with your fingers, cotton buds, or any other object as this can push the ear wax in further and may damage your ear.
- Don’t try to pick the ear wax if you have any active ear infections, ear surgeries or any ear abnormalities.
- Using ear drops to soften wax is a good initial step to take. Chemical drops from your pharmacy - these are made up of a mild and safe chemical that softens the ear wax, so it falls out.
- Having a Qualified Professional manually remove the build-up.
Micro-suction earwax removal, sometimes referred to as ear vacuuming, is the most commonly and preferred method of earwax removal used by ENT Surgeons. It is a non-invasive, safe, and effective method of removing extra ear wax.
As opposed to having water syringed into your ears, micro-suction is an entirely dry technique. Although water syringing can be used to remove wax, it has drawbacks and can be painful and messy. Some groups, such as those with perforated eardrums or grommets, diabetics, those with weakened immune systems, and people on blood thinners, must use or prefer a dry approach.
People who currently have an ear infection can also benefit from the use of micro-suction and curettage to clear out illness-related debris and improve the effectiveness of prescribed ear drops. Additionally, it can be used to eliminate foreign objects like insects, cotton swabs, and errant hearing aid domes.
If you’re dealing with earwax build-up, it’s important to clear it as soon as possible. If not, it may eventually lead to a more serious condition like an ear infection.
Hearing Buddy offers micro-suction and curettage for ear wax removal performed only by qualified professional.
For the safe and efficient removal of extra ear wax, using micro-suction call or email us.
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