If your hearing has diminished or your ears feel clogged, the culprit could be earwax buildup.
Earwax, also known as cerumen, serves a valuable purpose. It traps dust, dirt, and other foreign particles, preventing them from reaching the inner ear and causing irritation. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties that help reduce the risk of infections.
However, when earwax accumulates excessively, it can lead to several uncomfortable symptoms, including sudden hearing loss, dizziness, ear pain, headaches, or balance issues.
Safe and Unsafe Earwax Removal Methods
Understanding which methods to use—and avoid—can save your hearing from potential harm.
Unsafe Methods:
Cotton Swabs (Q-tips):
Never insert a cotton swab into the ear canal. While it’s a common practice, it pushes earwax deeper, potentially causing impaction and even damaging the eardrum.
Ear Candles:
These are not only ineffective but also dangerous. The FDA has reported numerous incidents involving burns, ruptured eardrums, accidental fires, and internal ear injuries caused by ear candles. The supposed “vacuum effect” of ear candles has no scientific support and poses serious risks.
Avoidance:
Ignoring earwax buildup could lead to complications. In some cases, what feels like a simple blockage might be an indication of a more serious condition, such as untreated hearing loss or infection. Immediate professional evaluation is vital.
Safe Methods:
Ear Drops:
Over-the-counter ear drops, usually made from glycerin, saline, hydrogen peroxide, or sodium bicarbonate, can soften earwax, allowing it to exit naturally. However, results can take one to two weeks to appear, so patience is key.
Oil Drops:
Olive oil or mineral oil can be used as a natural softener for earwax. A few drops twice a day can help ease the buildup. Be cautious, though – those with sensitive skin or a ruptured eardrum should avoid this method.
Professional Earwax Removal:
For the safest, quickest, and most effective results, an audiologist can perform a professional earwax removal, usually in a single visit.
Should You Wear Hearing Aids with an Ear Infection?
Wearing hearing aids with an ear infection can exacerbate the condition, as infections typically involve increased moisture and swelling in the ear canal.
If you suspect an ear infection, it’s best to remove your hearing aids and consult with a healthcare professional for appropriate treatment before resuming use.
What to Expect During Professional Earwax Removal at Audicles
For those in San Antonio, Audicles offers expert earwax removal services. Here’s a quick rundown of what your appointment will look like:
1. A Warm Welcome:
We pride ourselves on creating a friendly, comfortable atmosphere for all of our patients, including children.
2. Discussing Your Symptoms:
Our team will go over your hearing and medical history, ensuring we have all the details we need to understand your hearing challenges and find the right solution.
3. A Closer Look:
Using a video otoscope, we’ll inspect your ear canal, and you’ll be able to see what’s happening on a screen. This visual aids in determining whether earwax buildup is the root cause of your hearing concerns.
4. Earwax Removal:
We use a specialized tool called a curette to gently and efficiently remove the earwax. Sometimes, earwax is too dry and needs softening first. In that case, we’ll apply drops to make the removal process easier, which adds just a few minutes to your appointment.
5. Immediate Relief:
Once the earwax is removed, you should feel immediate improvement in your hearing, and any discomfort should disappear.
Why Choose Audicles for Earwax Removal in San Antonio?
Audicles’ skilled team of audiologists can resolve earwax buildup for patients in-office, avoiding the need for further medical referrals. With three experienced doctors of audiology, our goal is to make the process quick, safe, and stress-free.
If you’re experiencing hearing challenges or suspect earwax buildup, don’t wait – book your earwax removal appointment with Audicles today! You can also reach out to us at 210-820-0525 with any questions.
