Earwax is a natural bodily secretion that is produced to protect and lubricate the ears. It possesses antimicrobial qualities that may aid in halting the development of microorganisms in the ear canal. However, if it accumulates excessively, it may lead to hearing issues and impair your ability to hear.
Be mindful in choosing the products and methods you use to remove any ear wax. You don’t want to use the incorrect tool or method and exacerbate your issue. We encourage you to visit a hearing clinic so that an audiologist can examine your ears before performing professional wax removal.
Most people believe that they are capable of performing safe and effective ear cleaning. You may have used cotton swabs to clean your ears and found your ears to be just fine. So, what’s the fuss? Do you really need to get your ears professionally cleaned?
Yes, you do! Think of cotton swabs as a mere first-aid application to a serious issue. Cotton swabs may actually do more harm than good, pushing ear wax further inside the ear canal.
Audiologists are trained and skilled in professional ear cleaning. If you wish to have your ears cleaned in the finest (and safest) manner possible, go to an audiologist.
Audiologists are experts in ear health and are knowledgeable about proper ear-cleaning techniques.
Is it necessary to remove earwax?
Earwax has a bad connotation of being unhygienic. Because of this, the majority of people believe that frequent ear cleaning is necessary to remove earwax.
However, earwax really possesses antifungal and antibacterial qualities.
The purpose of earwax, a bodily fluid, is to shield the ears from debris, hair, and tiny insects.
Of course, everything revolves around moderation and balance. A buildup of earwax can obstruct the ears, which can lead to infections or temporary hearing loss. To prevent ear wax accumulation issues, individuals who produce excessive ear wax should have their ears professionally cleaned more routinely.
Earwax production varies from person to person. There are also several factors that can affect earwax production such as genes, previous ear trauma, chronic ear infections, and regular usage of earbuds or hearing aids.
Ironically, if you have a tendency to routinely use Q-tips in your ears, you may be more at risk for needing ear wax removal services. By inserting Q-tips into your ear canal, you are inadvertently creating a risk for further ear wax impaction to occur.
Causes of earwax buildup
The following factors below may affect one’s earwax production which could result in a build-up:
- The shape of the ear canal: If your ear canal is small, curved, slopes downward, or has been surgically altered, you may require professional ear cleaning.
- Skin issues: Several skin diseases, including dermatitis, might make managing wax more difficult. Excessive ear hair may also trigger earwax production.
- Wearing hearing aids: Consistent hearing aid use can interfere with the self-cleaning mechanism of the ears.
- Age and medical condition: Earwax accumulation is more common in elderly individuals and those who have developmental disabilities.
3 common methods for professional ear cleaning
Professionals can clean your ears in a number of different methods. The method of cleaning is decided by a number of variables including:
- The status or integrity of your ear(s)
- The severity of the clog or impaction
- Patient preferences
An audiologist will examine your ear with an otoscope before performing professional ear cleaning. The three most common ear-cleaning methods include suction, irrigation, or manual removal using a curette.
Professional Ear Cleaning in Swampscott and Peabody, MA
Atlantic Hearing Care offers a wide range of hearing healthcare services including professional ear cleaning.
Don’t risk your hearing with unsafe DIY ear-cleaning methods. Our team is committed to giving you the best and safest hearing care possible!
Contact us today to schedule an appointment! We have two clinics located in Swampscott and Peabody, MA.
