Earwax is a natural component of your body’s defense system, shielding the delicate lining of the ear canal from dust, bacteria and foreign particles. However, excessive buildup can lead to discomfort, hearing loss or infection. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s essential to take action.
Understanding why earwax accumulates, identifying associated symptoms and learning safe cleaning methods, whether at home or with professional assistance, are crucial. This information helps you manage your ear health effectively with the support of our Earzlink team.
What is the Purpose of Earwax?
Earwax serves as a natural and protective mechanism for the ear canal. Produced by glands in the skin of the ear canal, its primary purpose is to lubricate and clean the ear canal while providing a barrier against dust, dirt and other foreign particles. Additionally, earwax possesses antimicrobial properties that help prevent infections. While it may seem bothersome at times, especially when it accumulates, earwax plays a vital role in maintaining ear health and ensuring the delicate structures within the ear remain protected and functional.
Symptoms of Earwax Blockage
First, you may be unsure whether you have an earwax blockage. To find out, consider whether you have any of the following symptoms:
- Earaches
- Tinnitus
- Diminished hearing
- A feeling of full ears
- Dizziness
If so, you may have an earwax blockage that needs to be removed. We can help you figure out whether an at-home earwax removal or in-office removal is a better fit for your needs.
In-Office Earwax Removal
If you have a more significant blockage, we may need to clear it for you in our office. We usually use either irrigation or curettage to fix the problem.
Irrigation is a process that’s similar to an at-home kit in that it uses a liquid to soften the blockage. However, the liquid we use in the office is typically stronger than what you’d buy over the counter.
Curettage uses a long, curved tool to suction away excess earwax. But this is less common.
At-Home Earwax Removal Treatments
At-home earwax cleaning kits are readily available over-the-counter and typically consist of softening drops or solutions and irrigation devices. These kits are designed to help soften and remove excess earwax buildup safely at home. However, it’s crucial to use them with guidance from your hearing professional to avoid damaging the ear canal or pushing wax deeper into the ear. While at-home kits can be effective for minor wax buildup, it’s essential to consult with your care provider before using them, especially if you have a history of ear issues or if you’re unsure about the proper technique.
Earwax Removal Methods to Avoid
While we’ve discussed safe treatments for removing earwax blockages, it’s essential to understand there are many other methods that could cause potential problems. Using cotton swabs or ear candling to remove earwax can be risky and potentially harmful. Cotton swabs, although commonly used, can push wax deeper into the ear canal, leading to impacted earwax and potential damage to the eardrum.
Ear candling involves placing a hollow candle in the ear and lighting it, purportedly creating a vacuum that draws out wax. However, this method has not been scientifically proven to be effective and can pose serious risks, including burns, punctured eardrums and even injury from wax drippings. It’s best to avoid these methods and instead seek guidance from a hearing professional for safe and effective earwax removal options.