Managing your earwax is a key factor of your hearing health that’s often overlooked or mishandled. Your earwax, or cerumen, protects the delicate machinations of your inner ear from debris and objects inserted into your ear, but too much earwax can cause discomfort and even temporary hearing loss.
If you’re wondering if your sudden hearing loss challenge or headaches could be due to an impaction of earwax, read on! We’ve collected some of our tips and tricks for keeping your ears squeaky clean.
The Dos and Don’ts of Earwax Removal
Avoid Cotton Swabs:
While it’s typical to reach for a cotton swab when we feel earwax buildup, it’s not the safest way; cotton swabs can push the wax deeper into the ear canal and potentially cause damage to your eardrum or impaction of wax.
You should also avoid any “trendy” tools like ear candling or pointed instruments that claim to clean your ears out, as these can cause more harm than good!
Over-the-Counter Solutions:
A safe alternative to cotton swabs is earwax removal drops, available at most pharmacies. These are typically made of mineral oils or saline solutions that work to soften the earwax so it can drop out, painlessly and safely.
When using the drops, tilt your head to allow the solution to reach the ear canal, and let it drain into your ear to soften the wax. After letting the solution work for a few minutes, tilt your head in the opposite direction to let the solution and softened wax drain out. Make sure to follow the instructions!
External Ear Cleaning:
With a warm, damp cloth, wipe your outer ear gently to remove residual wax. Do not insert the cloth directly into your ear canal!
When Should I Seek Professional Help for Earwax Removal?
If you’re dealing with headaches, dizziness, sudden hearing loss, or other discomfort, and suspect that earwax impaction is to blame, it’s time to seek a professional’s assistance.
You can rest assured that our team of earwax removal experts can help you remove excess earwax and help you get back to hearing the life you love. While cleaning your ears at home can help, sometimes you need a boost, one that we’re happy to give!
Our earwax removal services are pain-free, fast, and safe.
During your appointment with us, we’ll complete a thorough investigation of your ears to assess the best and most comfortable removal method before removing the earwax itself, using a flush of warm water or specialized tools to do so.
If you believe that earwax removal could help you or a loved one hear better, please don’t hesitate to contact us to set up an earwax removal appointment.
Simply request a callback to get started or call us at (337) 436-3277 for a more immediate conversation.
