Ear Wax Removal

Ear Wax is a common occurrence for healthy ears.  The presence of some ear wax is good for your ears. Ear wax also has benefits such as antibacterial or antifungal properties.  In some cases, ear wax can cause problems such as hearing loss, earaches, and outer ear infections.  Since ear wax serves as a lubricant and a natural cleanser for the ear, a lack of ear wax can lead to itchy ears for some patients.  Ear wax migrates outward carrying dead skin, dirt, and hair out of the ear.  For people who wear hearing aids this ear wax migration is often interrupted resulting in a blockage of ear wax.  That is why it is very important for users of hearing aids to have the ear wax removed often so that their hearing aids stay clean and in good working condition.   Ear wax removal can be done at home with the use of ear wax softening drops and body temperature water.  The person would put several drops of ear wax softener in each ear canal for about 10 minutes and then flush the ear with the water.  Never use Q-tips or bobby pins to clean out your ears.  Although some people are successful at removing the ear wax, many are not and require the assistance of a professional.  Here at Hearing Aid and Audiology we use multiple ways of ear wax removal performed by a licensed and trained Audiologist.  In most cases, three different methods are effective for ear wax removal.  The first method we use in ear wax removal is the use of a curette, a tool with a loop on the end to scoop wax from the ear.  The second method of ear wax removal is water irrigation, using water to flush out the ear wax is very safe and effective.  Some patients with a history of ear drum perforations or tubes should not use water and must rely on the two other methods.  The last method of ear wax removal used in our office is suction.  We use a safe ear wax suction device to suction the wax from the ear canal.  In rare circumstances, we can refer to an ear surgeon if we are unsuccessful with ear wax removal.