Being able to hear clearly is a priceless gift anyone can have because it helps us connect with the world around us. But sometimes, earwax can affect our sense of hearing.
Every year, about 2 million people in the UK have impacted earwax that must be removed professionally. If left untreated, impacted earwax can cause problems such as hearing loss, sore and irritated ears, dizziness, and a ringing noise in the ears.
In this blog, you will learn everything about earwax, its causes, and how to seek professional help to remove it.
What is Earwax?
Ear wax, medically known as cerumen, is a natural substance produced by glands in the ear canal. It protects your ears from dirt, bacteria, and other foreign particles. However, excessive or impacted ear wax can lead to discomfort, hearing loss, and other complications.
What Causes Earwax Buildup?
Earwax buildup is a natural process, and it is produced by glands in the ear canal. It’s pretty normal and healthy for our ear, as it protects the ear by trapping dust and small particles, preventing them from reaching the delicate eardrum.
The earwax is usually made up of sebum and is often yellowish or brown. It gets darker when it collects dirt, dead skin cells, and sweat. The colour of your earwax can tell you a lot about the health of your ears. If you see strange colours or feel pain, seek professional help and get it removed as soon as possible.
Signs & Symptoms of Excessive Earwax
If your ears are itchy, you don’t always have to go to a doctor to get your earwax removed. Ears are usually pretty good at cleaning themselves. Earwax moves dirt and dead skin from deep inside your ear towards the entrance. It also covers the inside of your ear canal like a shield to protect against dirt and germs.
So, when should you seek professional help for ear wax removal? Consider the following signs and symptoms:
- Difficulty in hearing
- Earache or discomfort
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Dizziness
- A sensation of fullness in the ear
Complications of Impacted Ear Wax
Neglected excessive ear wax can lead to:
- Hearing loss
- Ear infections
- Ear drum perforation
Should You Remove Impacted Earwax?
Impacted Ear Wax Removal is the most frequent otolaryngologic procedure in the UK, with approximately 4 million ears undergoing irrigation annually. Impacted earwax affects 10% of children, 20% of adults, and 30% of seniors, including individuals with hearing disabilities.
Considering the facts, you should seek professional help to remove earwax as soon as you experience any symptoms.
What happens if I don’t remove earwax? If you have impacted earwax and don’t get it removed, it can cause serious hearing problems such as muffled hearing and even Tinnitus (a persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears). However, it is crucial to first rule out any other underlying conditions, such as ear infections or colds, before attempting Ear wax removal.
How Professional Ear Wax Removal Works? Is it Painful?
Professional earwax removal is a safe and effective procedure performed by audiologists or trained healthcare professionals to remove excessive or impacted earwax from the ear canal.
Ear Wax Removal Methods
Medical professionals use many different methods to get rid of earwax effectively. Each method has its benefits and is selected based on your needs and comfort.
- Microsuction Ear wax Removal
Microsuction earwax removal is a pain-free and precise procedure used by pharmacists to remove excess earwax from the ear canal. It involves using a special microscope or loupe magnification and a small suction device to carefully and safely extract the wax.
This method is considered highly effective and minimally invasive, making it a popular choice for earwax removal. It’s often recommended when other methods, such as ear drops or ear syringing, may not be suitable.
Pro tip: To have a painless earwax removal, it is best to use olive oil for at least 7 days (twice daily) before the procedure.
- Ear Syringing
Ear syringing is another technique to remove excess earwax or cerumen from the ear canal. A healthcare professional, such as a nurse or doctor, performs it. During the procedure, warm water is gently squirted into the ear canal using a syringe or a special ear syringe kit. The water helps to soften and dislodge the earwax, which is then flushed out of the ear.
The procedure itself is usually not painful, but some people may experience a mild sensation of fullness or discomfort as the water enters the ear.
- Ear Curettage
Curettage is a manual method used to remove earwax using a specialised tool known as a curette. This instrument enables doctors to delicately scrape and scoop out surplus earwax from the ear canal.
Curettage is effective if your earwax is impacted or hardened, because it provides precise control over the removal process and is generally safe (can be painful) when performed by trained professionals.
Visit Our Ear wax Removal Clinic in Leeds
Are you looking for an Ear wax removal clinic in Leeds? Look no further; our team of experts at The Care Pharmacy in Leeds offers expert assistance in safely and effectively removing earwax through microsuction, a gentle and painless method.
To ensure safe and effective earwax removal, book an appointment and have a pain-free experience with our trained experts in microsuction.
FAQs
- Can I remove ear wax at home?
Yes, you can remove earwax at home with an ear irrigation kit only if your symptoms are not urgent or you don’t feel pain in the ears. Don’t try to remove earwax with your fingers or cotton buds. It’ll just push it further in and make the problem worse.
- Is microsuction safe for ear wax removal?
Yes, microsuction is the most effective and painless method of earwax removal. Audiologists use a small suction-equipped instrument to remove the earwax carefully.
- What is the safest way to remove earwax?
Experts consider microsuction the safest and risk-free method for removing earwax. If you often get earwax blockages, your doctor can advise you on safe methods, such as using olive oil twice daily to soften earwax.
- Which pharmacy in Leeds offers ear wax removal?
You can get quick and safe earwax removal services at The Care Pharmacy in Leeds.
- Is it painful to remove earwax?
An impacted earwax may cause swelling and itchiness, but the removal process, i.e., microsuction, is not painful.
- How can ear wax be dissolved faster?
Olive oil should be used twice daily for 7 days to dissolve earwax faster. However, it’s important to get proper guidelines from your healthcare provider before using any home remedies.
- Can I get my earwax removed on the NHS?
The NHS no longer offers ear wax removal due to safety risks the procedure has on the patients. Patients are advised to consult with pharmacists for risk free earwax removal.
- How often should I get my ear wax removed?
The frequency of earwax removal varies from person to person. Some people might not need to do it very often, while others may have to do it more regularly. It’s better to seek professional help if you feel any discomfort in your ear.
