Earwax Removal

Earwax is a yellowish, waxy substance secreted within the ear canal. It is a blend of skin cells, sweat, and other bodily fluids. This peculiar substance is a vital part of your ear's defense system. It acts as a protective barrier against bacteria, dust, and small insects, preventing them from entering the ear canal. It also moisturizes the skin inside the outer ear canal, reducing itching and irritation.

Despite its many benefits, earwax can cause issues when it builds up excessively. This is what we call cerumen impaction or earwax blockage, which might result in ear discomfort, itchiness, tinnitus (ringing in your ears), and even temporary hearing loss.

Causes of Earwax Build-up

Some people naturally produce more earwax than others. However, other factors can contribute to earwax impaction. These include:

• Dry or hard earwax
• Excessive hair in the ear canal
• Narrow ear canals
• Frequent use of earplugs or hearing aids
• Habitual use of cotton swabs for ear cleaning

It's worth noting that using cotton swabs or other items to clean the ears can often worsen the problem. Instead of removing the wax, these items can push it further down the ear canal, causing blockage.

Risks of Earwax Blockage

Earwax blockage can affect anyone, regardless of age or health status. But certain groups are more prone to developing this condition:

• People who regularly use hearing aids, earplugs, or earbuds
• Individuals with excessive ear hair
• Those with skin conditions like eczema
• Elderly individuals, particularly those over the age of 55
• People with developmental disabilities
• Individuals with ear canals that are misshapen or narrow, which hinders the natural removal of wax

Symptoms of Earwax Blockage

Impacted earwax can cause various symptoms, including:

• A feeling of fullness or pressure in your ear
• Earache or pain in your ear
• Temporary hearing loss, which may worsen over time
• Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in your ear)
• Itchiness in your ear
• Discharge or odor coming from your ear
• Dizziness

Safe Earwax Removal: The Attentus Approach

At Attentus Hearing Care, we prioritize your comfort and safety in all our services, including earwax removal. Our resident audiologist, Dr. Abby Holauchock, is highly skilled in safe and effective earwax removal techniques, providing high-quality hearing care right in the comfort of your home.

Curettage

For mild earwax issues, we use the curettage method, which involves using a small scoop or curette to gently remove earwax from your ears. This method is safe and effective for wax that is not too deep within the ear canal.

Irrigation

Another method we use is ear irrigation. This involves flushing out your ear canal with a warm, body-temperature solution, usually containing hydrogen peroxide, to soften and remove the earwax. This process is safer than suction removal and can be effective even for stubborn earwax.

When to Seek Medical Help

If you experience symptoms such as ear pain, itchiness, tinnitus, dizziness, hearing loss, or a feeling of fullness in your ears, it's time to see a healthcare provider. Seek immediate medical care if you have a fever, persistent earache, drainage from your ear, or a foul odor emanating from your ear.

Expert In-Home Earwax Removal

At Attentus Hearing Care, we're committed to providing high-quality, personalized hearing care in the comfort of your home. Our services include safe and effective earwax removal, performed by our skilled audiologist, Dr. Abby Holauchock. If you're struggling with earwax blockage or other hearing issues, contact us today to schedule an appointment. We're here to assist you on your journey towards improved hearing health.