A certain amount of earwax is natural and, while it may seem icky, it helps protect ears by blocking foreign objects from entering the ear canal. However, it can build up too much and lead to blocked ears.
Home remedies such as oil, ear drops, and baking soda can soften earwax. However, if earwax becomes too thick to dislodge with these simple methods, gentle micro suction can be performed at Mackayears.
Using cotton buds to clean ears is probably one of the biggest mistakes people can make when it comes to their ear health. Cotton buds strip the ear of its natural moisture and can also cause problems with the ear canal or ear drum. When a cotton bud is inserted into the ear canal it can push earwax further down into the ear and may even create a hole in the eardrum that sometimes may needs to be surgically repaired. Acute pain and muffled hearing are the most common symptoms of an ear drum perforation. The best way to avoid this is to not use cotton swabs in the ears.
Instead of cotton swabs, try using a cloth or a finger to swipe away any wax that is visible in the outer ear canal after taking a shower or bath. In some people, this will help remove the wax naturally without creating any further problems. Alternatively, there are over-the-counter ear drops available that can be used to soften and dissolve earwax.
Earwax is a very important part of our bodies and it has a number of roles that include protecting our ears from infection, keeping the ear canal healthy and lubricated, and stopping foreign objects from entering the ear. In most cases, the glands responsible for producing earwax will manage it well and you should only seek professional help when your ears feel blocked or if there is an associated symptom such as pain, dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus or hearing loss.
Other items that should never be inserted into the ear include bobby pins, tweezers, pens and pencils, and your fingers. If you need to have earwax removed, call Mackay Ears to discuss the gentle micro suction procedure. During the procedure, a Registered Nurse uses O Scope to view your ear canal and eardrum, and a small micro-suction catheter is gently inserted into your ear to remove any excess wax.
Ear wax is a natural part of the ear canal that helps to protect it from infection. However, over time it can build up and clog the ear canal. This can result in temporary hearing loss or even an ear infection. While it is normal to have some earwax build up in your ears, there are ways to help prevent the build-up. A common way to remove earwax is to use a cotton-tip swab, but this can actually push the earwax further down the canal rather than remove it. Additionally, other items like bobby pins and paperclips can be very damaging to the ear canal, so they should never be used in the ears.
The best way to keep your ears clean is to dry them thoroughly after swimming or showering. Use a towel to hold each ear down, tilting them in different directions to allow the water to drain out of the ear canal. You can also use a hairdryer on low heat to move the air in your ear canal and help to dry it out. Just be sure to keep the hairdryer several inches away from your ear and only use the lowest heat and fan setting.
If you find you are getting a lot of earwax in your ears, there are over-the-counter earwax softening drops that may help to ease the build-up. Just drop a few drops into each ear while lying down, keeping the head slightly tilted for 30 seconds before returning to an upright position. The earwax will then drip out of the ear naturally.
Another option is to use warm olive oil. Just place a few drops of the oil into each ear while the head is tilted, then sit up and wait for the earwax to drip out naturally.
Earwax, or cerumen, is a natural substance produced by the body that helps protect the eardrum and the delicate ear canal skin. It is important to leave it alone. However, for some people, it builds up to a point where it can lead to an earwax impaction. Blocked ears can be extremely uncomfortable and even painful. Thankfully, there are easy ways to prevent this from happening.
The first step is to avoid using cotton buds for ear cleaning. Instead, try a soft cloth or an over-the-counter eardrop. There are water-based eardrops that contain ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide, or oil-based drops that soften the earwax making it easier to remove.
If you are still having trouble clearing your ears, make an appointment at Mackay Ears. They will be able to use a tool that is inserted into the ear canal (similar to a syringe) to remove excess earwax. This procedure is called micro-suction. Microsuction is a safer alternative to syringing because it does not involve any water and therefore eliminates the risk of moisture trapped behind deeply lodged wax, which can cause an ear infection.
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