Ear wax, the yellow substance, is not harmful on its own, but it’s buildup in the ear can hinder hearing and even cause irritation. In this blog, we will discover how ear wax removal can improve hearing.
What is Ear Wax?
Medically known as cerumen, it is a natural substance produced by ceruminous glands in the ear canal. It is essential for protecting the ear from pathogens, dust, bacteria, and other foreign particles. Ear wax lubricates the ear canal and prevents it from becoming dry and itchy. It also acts as a barrier to keep water and other substances from entering in the inner ear. While some people may find ear wax bothersome, it is actually a necessary and beneficial substance for ear health, but sometimes it can cause buildup in the ear which results in hearing problems.
How Ear Wax Buildup Hinders Hearing Ability?
Ear wax buildup can block the ear canal, which blocks sound waves from reaching the eardrum, resulting in hearing problems. This can result in muffled or distorted hearing and difficulty understanding speech. It is essential to clean the ears regularly to prevent excessive ear wax buildup and maintain optimal ear health. If ear wax buildup is causing hearing problems, it is recommended that professional help should be taken from a healthcare professional or audiologist to remove the blockage safely.
How Does Ear Wax Removal Improve Hearing Ability?
Ear wax buildup in the ears can significantly impact hearing ability, leading to difficulties in communication, social interactions, and overall quality of life. Individuals can improve their hearing ability and prevent potential complications by regularly cleaning out excess ear wax through traditional methods or professional ear wax removal procedures.
Ear wax cleanup must be approached with caution, and guidance must be sought from healthcare professionals to avoid damage to the soft structures of the inner ear. Proper ear hygiene and maintenance can help maintain optimal hearing health and prevent hearing loss associated with excessive ear wax buildup.
Maintaining a clean and healthy ear canal reduces the risk of ear infections and other ear-related issues. Therefore, prioritising ear wax cleanup as part of a regular self-care routine is crucial for maintaining optimal hearing ability and overall ear health.
Why Seek Professional Ear wax Removal Services?
There are some DIY ear wax removal kits available in the market, but it is highly recommended that you seek professional ear wax cleaning because sometimes DIY cleanup can damage the ear canal or eardrum.
On the other hand, professional Ear Wax Removal is performed by trained healthcare providers with the knowledge and expertise to safely and effectively remove excess ear wax without damaging the ear canal or eardrum.
Unlike DIY methods like cotton swabs or ear candles, which can often push the ear wax further deep into the ear canal and potentially cause harm than good, professional ear wax cleaning ensures thorough removal of the buildup and reduces the risk of complications.
Moreover, healthcare providers can identify any underlying issues contributing to excessive ear wax buildup, allowing appropriate treatment and prevention strategies to be implemented. Ultimately, seeking professional ear wax cleaning helps maintain optimal ear health and function and minimises the risk of potential complications associated with untreated ear wax buildup.
Common Methods Employed By Professionals to Clean ear wax
Microsuction and irrigation are two common Ear Cleaning Procedure used to remove ear wax buildup safely and effectively.
Microsuction
Microsuction is a minimally invasive procedure performed by a trained healthcare professional, typically an audiologist or ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist. During microsuction, a small suction device with a thin, sterile suction tube gently removes ear wax from the ear canal. The procedure is performed under direct visualisation using a microscope or magnifying loupe, allowing the healthcare provider to accurately target and remove excess ear wax without causing injury to the ear canal or eardrum.
Benefits of Microsuction:
- Precise and controlled removal of ear wax: Microsuction allows for targeted removal of earwax buildup, avoiding damage to the delicate structures of the ear.
- Minimally invasive: Microsuction is generally well-tolerated and minimally uncomfortable for patients.
- Safe for individuals with ear canal abnormalities: Microsuction is suitable for individuals with narrow or curved ear canals, as well as those with perforated eardrums or previous ear surgeries.
Irrigation:
Also known as ear syringing or ear lavage, this procedure flushes the ear canal with a gentle stream of warm water to dislodge and remove ear wax buildup. A healthcare professional, like a nurse or audiologist, usually performs the procedure using a specialised irrigation device.
During irrigation, the healthcare provider will gently insert a small syringe or irrigation tip into the ear canal and carefully introduce a controlled flow of warm water. The water helps to soften and dislodge the ear wax, which is then flushed out of the ear canal. The procedure may be repeated as needed until the ear canal is clear of wax buildup.
Benefits of Irrigation:
- Effective removal of ear wax: Irrigation can effectively dislodge and flush out stubborn ear wax buildup from the ear canal.
- Quick procedure: This is a brief procedure that can be performed in one visit to a healthcare provider’s office.
- Suitable for most individuals: Irrigation is generally safe and suitable for most individuals, including those with mild to moderate ear wax buildup.
Proper ear wax removal is essential for maintaining optimal ear health. Seeking professional services like micro suction or irrigation ensures safe and effective removal, reducing the risk of complications. By prioritising ear hygiene, individuals can improve their hearing and overall well-being.