Carolina Hearing Doctors provides professional ear wax removal services in Winston-Salem and Clemmons, NC.

Ear wax, also called cerumen, is a sticky substance made by tiny glands in the ear canal. Even though it might seem dirty, ear wax is very important for keeping your ears healthy. It helps by keeping the ear canal moist, trapping dust and dirt, and stopping germs and fungi from growing. 

Usually, your ears can clean themselves. When you move your jaw, like when you chew or talk, it helps push out excess ear wax.

Sometimes, ear wax can build up too much and cause problems. This is called cerumen impaction. When this happens, you might have trouble hearing, hear ringing in your ears (called tinnitus), feel dizzy, have an earache, or feel like your ear is full.

Some people are more likely to have too much ear wax because they have narrow ear canals, use hearing aids, or make hard or dry ear wax.

Importance of Safe Ear wax Removal to Prevent Complications:

Removing ear wax safely is very important to avoid hurting your ear canal or eardrum. It’s best to get help from a healthcare provider, like a trained audiologist, for safe and effective ear wax removal.

Professionals use common methods like irrigation (flushing out the ear wax with water), suction, or using special tools to remove the ear wax by hand.

Getting professional help makes sure the extra ear wax is taken out properly and safely, preventing any problems and keeping your ears healthy.

Audiologists at Carolina Hearing Doctors are trained to perform ear wax removal safely.

Understanding Ear Wax

The primary components of ear wax include:

  • Shed skin cells
  • Fatty acids
  • Alcohols
  • Cholesterol
  • Squalene
  • Lysozymes (enzymes with antibacterial properties)
  • Immunoglobulins (antibodies)

The composition can vary from person to person, influenced by genetics and environmental factors.

How Do You Know If You Have Excess Ear Wax?

The amount and type of ear wax a person makes depends on their genes. Some people naturally make more ear wax than others.

Here are some factors that can cause ear wax build-up:

  1. Using Hearing Aids or Earplugs: Using hearing aids or earplugs can stop ear wax from moving out of the ear naturally, which can cause it to get stuck.
  2. Using Earphones or Earbuds a Lot: Wearing earphones or earbuds often can make ear wax build up because it stops the ear from cleaning itself.
  3. Getting Older: As people get older, their ear wax can become drier and more likely to get stuck.
  4. Cleaning Ears Too Much: Cleaning ears too much, especially with cotton swabs, can push ear wax deeper into the ear, making it harder to remove.
  5. Skin Conditions: Some skin problems, like eczema or psoriasis, can change the skin in the ear and make ear wax harder to move out.

Symptoms and Potential Complications of Ear Wax Impaction:

  • Hearing Loss: Ear wax buildup can cause so much fullness that it makes it hard to hear in the affected ear.
  • Tinnitus: You might hear ringing or buzzing sounds in your ear because of the ear wax.
  • Dizziness or Vertigo: If there’s a lot of ear wax, you may have so much fullness and pressure that you may feel off balance or dizzy.
  • Earache or Discomfort: The pressure from the ear wax can cause pain or make your ear feel uncomfortable.
  • Feeling of Fullness: Your ear might feel full or blocked because of the ear wax.

Complications of Untreated Impacted Ear Wax:

  • Infections: Too much ear wax can cause infections because bacteria or fungi can grow easily.
  • Eardrum Damage: If you try to remove ear wax the wrong way, you might hurt your eardrum.
  • Ringing in the Ears: Having too much ear wax for a long time can cause ringing in your ears.
  • Balance Problems: Severe ear wax buildup can affect your balance and make you more likely to fall.

It’s important to take care of ear wax buildup quickly and get help from a professional to remove it safely. If you have symptoms of ear wax buildup, see an audiologist for proper care.

How Do You Clean Your Ears?

Cleaning your ears needs to be done gently and carefully to avoid problems.

Here are some tips on how to clean your ears safely:

Do’s:
  1. Use a Damp Cloth: Gently wipe the outer part of your ear with a damp cloth when you take a bath to remove extra wax and dirt.
  2. Ear Drops: If you have a lot of ear wax, you can use special ear drops such as EarWaxMD or a few drops of mineral oil to make the wax softer and easier to remove.
  3. Warm Water Rinse: Let warm water flow into your ear during a shower and then tilt your head to let it drain out. This can help remove loose ear wax.
  4. Seek Professional Help: If you think you have too much ear wax or feel pain or can’t hear well, ask a doctor for help.
  5.  
  1. Avoid Cotton Swabs: Don’t use cotton swabs because they can push ear wax deeper into your ear, causing problems.
  2. No Sharp Objects: Never put sharp or pointed objects in your ears as they can hurt your ear or damage it.
  3. No Ear Candling: Don’t use ear candles because they are not proven to work and can cause burns or other injuries.
  4. Careful with Ear wax Kits: Be careful when using ear wax removal kits and always follow the instructions. Using them too much can make your ears dry or irritated.
  5.  

Remember, ears usually clean themselves, and excess ear wax will often come out on its own. If you have any worries about ear wax or feel symptoms, talk to an audiologist for advice and safe ear care.

How Does An Audiologist Clean Ears?

Carolina Hearing Doctors audiologists in Winston-Salem and Clemmons, NC are trained professionals specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing-related issues, including ear wax management. 

When someone goes to an audiologist to get ear wax removed, we can expect a safe and easy process.

Audiologists usually use these methods:

  • Visual Check (Otoscopy): Audiologists start by looking inside your ear with a tool called an otoscope. This helps them see how much ear wax there is and where it is.
  • Ear Cleaning (Ear Flushing): One common way audiologists clean ears is by using ear irrigation. They gently spray warm water into your ear to soften and wash out the ear wax. They might use a special device or a bulb syringe to control the water.
  • Microsuction: In cases where ear irrigation is not suitable or if the individual has a history of ear issues, audiologists may opt for microsuction. Microsuction involves using a small, gentle vacuum to suction out the ear wax. This method is often preferred for its precision and safety.
  • Manual Removal with Instruments: Audiologists may use specialized instruments, such as curettes or loops, to manually remove ear wax. This method requires skill and should only be performed by trained professionals to avoid injury.
  • Ear Drops: Prior to removal, audiologists may use ear drops to soften the ear wax, making it easier to extract. These drops often contain a mixture of oil or a water-based solution.

Seeking professional help from an audiologist ensures a safe and effective ear wax removal process tailored to individual needs. If there are concerns about ear health or symptoms like hearing loss, consulting with an audiologist is recommended for proper evaluation and management.

Ear Irrigation

Ear irrigation is a common procedure used by audiologists to remove excess ear wax and debris from the ear canal. Using a specialized, medical grade lavage system we gently flush the ear canal with a warm stream of water to dislodge and remove accumulated wax safely. This method is particularly effective for individuals with stubborn or impacted wax, or those with ear sensitivity.

We first examine the ear to ensure there are no underlying conditions that may suggest another method would be better.

Next, we insert into the ear the tip of a specialized irrigation instrument, made specifically for ear lavage. A light but steady stream of water flows through the ear canal, loosening and softening the wax. This washes wax directly out of the ear into ear basin. Comfortable, easy, and very effective.

To ensure your comfort we are monitoring the process with an otoscope to visualize the process throughout the minute long lavage.
Overall, ear irrigation is a comfortable but effective way to completely remove excess ear wax. By using speciality, medical grade lavage instruments we commonly remove even stubborn earwax and minimize the risk of injury or complications.

Ear Wax Removal FAQs

How do you know if you need ear irrigation?

If you experience symptoms like hearing loss, ear fullness, tinnitus, or dizziness, it may indicate a need for ear irrigation. Additionally, visible ear wax blockage during an otoscopic examination by a healthcare professional can suggest the necessity for irrigation. It is important to consult with a qualified healthcare provider, such as an audiologist, to assess your ear’s health and determine the appropriate course of action.

The frequency of professional ear cleaning depends on individual factors such as ear wax production and susceptibility to impaction. For most people, ears are self-cleaning, and professional intervention is only necessary when symptoms arise. Consult with an audiologist who can assess your specific needs. Audiologists at Carolina Hearing Doctors can provide guidance on whether regular cleanings or as-needed interventions are appropriate for maintaining optimal ear health.

Hydrogen peroxide can be used to soften ear wax and aid in its removal, but it should be used with caution. Dilute the hydrogen peroxide with equal parts water, and only use a few drops in the ear. Avoid using it if you have a history of ear issues, perforated eardrums, or if you’re uncertain about your ear’s health. It’s always advisable to consult with an audiologist or healthcare professional before attempting any at-home ear cleaning to prevent potential complications.

Carolina Hearing Doctors | Professional Ear Wax Removal Services in North Carolina

Safe ear wax removal is important to avoid complications and damage to the ear canal or eardrum. Seeking professional help from an audiologist is recommended for effective and safe removal. 

Carolina Hearing Doctors audiologists are trained to perform professional ear wax removal in Winston-Salem and Clemmons, NC.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment!