One of the most common questions we get asked here at the office is “do audiologists remove ear wax?” The answer is both yes and no. While we are not medical doctors, and therefore cannot perform a medical procedure such as ear wax removal, we can provide a gentle, non-invasive ear wax removal service using state-of-the-art equipment.
What Is Ear Wax?
Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a combination of sweat and oil produced by glands in the outer part of your ear. This sticky substance has several important functions. It traps dust particles and other small objects that might otherwise enter the ear canal and cause damage; it helps keep the ear canal clean; and it contains antibacterial properties that help protect against infection. It also serves to lubricate the skin inside the ear canal which helps to keep it flexible and healthy.
How Does Ear Wax Build Up?
Earwax can accumulate over time if it is not removed regularly. This can lead to a condition called impacted cerumen or impacted earwax. This occurs when too much wax builds up in the ear canal causing a blockage that prevents sound from reaching your eardrum properly. Impacted cerumen can cause pain or discomfort in some cases, as well as temporary hearing loss or ringing (tinnitus).
To prevent this from happening, regular cleaning of the outer part of your ears should be done with a damp cloth or cotton swab gently wiped along the outside edge where you can see it and feel it with your fingertips. You should never insert anything into your ear canal as this can cause serious damage to both your eardrum and the inner parts of your ears.
Signs & Symptoms of Wax Build Up
The most common sign of wax buildup is a dull-looking surface. As the buildup accumulates, it creates a sort of film over the surface that makes it look duller than normal. This can happen on any type of surface such as wood floors, tile floors, furniture surfaces, etc. If you notice your surfaces looking duller than usual, then it is likely due to wax build-up.
Another symptom of wax buildup is an increased amount of dirt in the area where the wax was applied. The dirt will stick to the layer of wax on top instead of being swept away like normal. This can result in dirt accumulating in corners or other hard-to-reach areas which can make it difficult to clean them effectively.
Finally, if you notice that your furniture or floor has become more slippery than usual when you walk on it then this could also be indicative of too much wax accumulation on the surface. The excess wax will cause a thin layer to be created which makes walking on these surfaces more slippery than normal.
Why Would I Need My Ear Wax Removed?
There are a few reasons why you might need your ear wax removed. If you are having difficulty hearing, or if you are experiencing pain in your ears, it could be because there is a build-up of earwax in your ears. In some cases, people have an excessive amount of ear wax production, which can lead to impacted ear wax. Impacted ear wax can block the ear canal and cause hearing loss.
How Does Ear Wax Removal Work?
At our office, we use a state-of-the-art machine called an Otoscope to remove ear wax. The Otoscope emits a gentle stream of water that loosens the ear wax so that it can be easily removed. The entire process takes about 15 minutes per session, and most people report feeling relief from their symptoms immediately after the procedure.
If you are experiencing any symptoms related to excess or impacted ear wax, give us a call today to schedule an appointment for our gentle, non-invasive ear wax removal service. Our experienced audiologists will make you feel better in no time!
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