How Do You Get Rid of Earwax?

What is Earwax?

Earwax is a sticky and shiny substance that is secreted by glands in the outer ear canal. It is also known by the fancy name cerumen (say: suh-ROO-mun).

Ear wax does many important things. Keep your ears healthy and infection-free by moisturizing the ear canal skin. This simple step not only keeps your ears clean but also prevents infections. It is a natural self-cleaning mechanism, and it has antimicrobial properties to protect the ears from unhealthy bacteria.

It can even keep water from entering the eardrum, protecting your ears from swimmer’s ear or other complications. To soften earwax and help it come out, place a few drops of olive oil, mineral oil, glycerin, or hydrogen peroxide in the ear. The liquid should be at room or body temperature. Do not use saline solution or other solutions that are too cold, as this can cause ear pain and dizziness.

Why Do We Have Earwax?

Earwax is a natural secretion that safeguards the ear canal and helps prevent infections. In fact, earwax can be compared to a protective film that covers a bicycle tire, keeping out water, dirt, and fungi.

Routine movements of the ear canal, such as chewing and swallowing, help move earwax to the outer ear, where it can either flake off or be washed away during bathing. Attempting to dig out excess or hardened earwax with cotton swabs, hairpins, matches, or other items usually just pushes the earwax deeper into the ear canal and can damage the eardrum. It can also cause earache and dizziness. Using a saline solution or mineral oil to soften the earwax before attempting removal is often recommended.

When Does Earwax Become a Problem?

When earwax accumulates and obstructs the ear canal, it can lead to issues. You might notice this when you start to have trouble hearing, or a feeling of fullness in the ears.

Trying to remove excess or hardened earwax can actually worsen the situation. Sticking objects like cotton swabs into your ears can actually push the earwax further down the ear canal, leading to a blockage.

Mackayears help you get rid of earwax buildup when it becomes a problem. Our professionals use medicines that soften the wax, saline drops, or micro-suction earwax removal procedures in the clinic.

How to Prevent Earwax Buildup

Ear wax may seem gross, but it is actually protective. It helps moisturize the ears and blocks bacteria, fungus, and other particles from entering the inner ear canal. If the ear canal becomes irritated or dry, excess earwax may form.

Excess earwax usually falls out of the ear canal on its own or is removed by Kim Van Dewetring at Mackayear. Excess earwax can lead to symptoms such as itching, ringing in the ears, or hearing loss.

People can prevent excess earwax from building up by not sticking objects in their ears, such as cotton swabs, paper clips, or ear candles. Instead, people can use a rubber bulb-type syringe to gently irrigate the ear with water or a saline solution. This technique will drain the earwax and soften it so that it can fall out of the ear naturally.

Safe Methods to Remove Earwax at Home

As you know, earwax is a natural self-cleaning substance that collects dirt, bacteria, and other debris. It typically works its way to the ear canal opening, where it either falls out on its own or is washed away during a shower or bath.

Several home remedies exist for removing excess earwax. One method involves heating a cloth to soften the earwax so it can be naturally removed. You can also use 3% hydrogen peroxide. Tilt your head and drip 5 to 10 drops of the solution into the ear each day for up to an hour, and then rinse with water.

Avoid attempting to clean your ears with cotton swabs or other items that may get lodged in the ear canal. In addition to being ineffective, this practice can cause ear infections and rupture eardrums.

When to See a Doctor

While some people produce more earwax than others, and while earwax can be annoying or itchy sometimes, it’s usually harmless. It’s important to let it move toward the ear opening on its own, acting as a natural self-cleaning mechanism.

If you’re experiencing problems with earwax buildup, it’s best to visit Mackay Ears. Ear canals and eardrums are delicate and can be easily injured by improper at-home removal methods, such as using a cotton swab.

Our professionals are trained to safely and effectively remove earwax, such as with microsuction. This procedure uses a small tube with a suction tip inserted into the ear canal to dislodge and remove the earwax. The procedure is quick and painless. It can also prevent earwax blockage from becoming impacted or causing symptoms such as itching and fullness.

Professional Earwax Removal Methods

Earwax is a natural bodily substance that protects our ears from infection and allows us to hear. However, over time, it can build up and solidify inside our ear canal, leading to itchy, blocked ears. When this occurs, it’s important to visit a professional otolaryngologist for safe earwax removal.

Many stores sell earwax removal kits that contain wax-softening drops and safe removal tools, such as a bulb syringe. If you decide to try these products, be sure to follow the directions carefully.

Another common method of removing earwax is irrigation, or “syringing.” This involves spraying the ear canal with water or saline solution using a large syringe. This is a fairly effective method of earwax removal, but it can also be dangerous. The syringe can cause perforations in the eardrum, so it is not recommended for use at home. It is best used in combination with other earwax removal methods.

Conclusion

Earwax, or cerumen, is something that our bodies naturally produce. Its purpose is to protect our eardrums and the delicate lining of our ears. It also lubricates our ears so that we can hear better and it helps to drain our ear canals of excess fluid.

Over time, our ears will naturally flush away any excess earwax. However, sometimes this process doesn’t work, and we end up with a buildup of earwax, which can lead to impacted earwax.

To remove earwax micro-suction at Mackay Ear is highly recommended for its effectiveness and safety in removing earwax. This procedure utilizes specialized tools to gently suction out wax without discomfort, minimizing the risks associated with other removal techniques. By prioritizing safe practices and seeking expert care, you can ensure your ears remain healthy and free from the discomfort of excessive earwax buildup.