Earwax Removal
Believe it or not, earwax buildup is often the cause of hearing difficulty.
At Hearing Solutions, we have the tools and expertise needed to safely and effectively remove excess earwax, whether it’s causing hearing loss or not. And best of all, it’s free!
What Is Earwax?
Earwax is a natural substance that is produced by your body to protect and clean the ear canal. It generally consists of skin cells, hair, sweat, debris, and oil produced by ceruminous glands. It is normal and healthy to have some wax in your ears. However, it can become a problem when the wax builds up and starts causing bothersome symptoms.
The ear has a self-cleaning mechanism. Earwax is produced in the outer portion of the ear canal and migrates outwards as the skin cells shed. While it may be tempting to do it yourself, you should never clean the inside of your ear canal with cotton swabs. This can often make the problem worse by pushing the wax deeper into the ear canal and preventing it from exiting the ear naturally.
Symptoms of Earwax Buildup:
If you are feeling any of the below symptoms, you may have a buildup of earwax
- Hearing difficulty
- Ringing or buzzing sounds
- Feeling of fullness or stuffiness in the ears
- Earaches
- Itchiness
- Pain or discomfort
- Dizziness
Ear Wax Removal Appointment:
Your audiologist will begin with relevant questions about your symptoms and conduct an assessment of the outer ear. The instrument used for removal is dependent on the type and location of the wax, the ear anatomy, and related medical history. Using this information, your audiologist will determine the safest and most gentle method of cleaning the ears.
We offer three methods of ear wax removal:
- Curette – a small handheld tool is used to delicately extract the wax from the ear canal
- Water irrigation – using a low-pressure device, warm water is gently flushed into the ear canal to dislodge and carry out the wax
- Micro-suction – a specialized vacuum device is inserted into the ear canal to remove wax using suction
Our experienced audiologists have undergone extensive training and hold advanced practice certification in the removal of earwax.
Before Your Appointment:
In preparation for your appointment, a softening agent may be recommended to loosen the earwax. You can use mineral oil, olive oil, or earwax softening drops recommended by a pharmacist to aid in removal. The oil softens the earwax and helps to make the removal process more comfortable.
Steps:
- Place 2-3 drops of oil in the ear
- Lie on your side for 5-10 minutes and allow the oil to soak into the wax
- Repeat the process for the other ear (if applicable)
- Repeat the process for 3-4 days leading up to your appointment
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is it a bad idea to use cotton swabs?
- Contrary to popular belief, cotton swabs should not be inserted into the ear canal. This can push the wax deeper into the ear canal and make it more difficult to extract. There is also a risk of causing more permanent damage to the eardrum. We only recommend using cotton swabs along the outer portion of the ear canal.
Is there any evidence behind ear candling?
- Research shows that the practice of ear candling has no medical benefit and is not an ineffective method of removing earwax. It does not create significant suction or heat in the ear canal. With this method comes a risk of serious injury.
Can I follow an online tutorial and remove the wax at home?
- There are a variety of DIY ear wax removal kits available for purchase, however, these are not always safe and effective. Without an assessment and recommendation from an audiologist, using an at-home remedy could do more harm than good. We never recommend inserting a sharp object into the ear canal due to the risk of damaging the delicate structures in the ear.