Ear wax removal: what you should and shouldn’t do

Ear wax removal: what you should and shouldn’t do

Ear wax is secreted mainly to lubricate and protect the ear. Ear wax removal is also a naturally involuntary process and simple jaw movements cause them to fall off. In certain cases, there might be an abnormal amount of earwax in the ear canal. The increase in the amount of earwax in the ear can be caused by certain factors:

• Structure of your ear canal

• Ear infection

• Excess debris trapped in the ear canal

Any of the listed reasons could significantly affect the amount of earwax, which might lead to the earwax being produced more than it is big expelled, prompting you to manually try to remove the excess wax.

When should you get your ear wax removed?

There are certain indicators that should prompt you to book an ear wax removal appointment with your doctor. These indicators include:

• Reduced hearing

• Ear aches

• Foul odour from the affected ear

• Dizziness

These symptoms may appear individually or all at once, but in any case, you should visit your doctor once you notice any of them to ensure you get early treatment.

How can earwax be removed properly?

Earwax removal should be left to your doctor or professional audiologist. These healthcare professionals have specialised instruments to safely remove excess earwax, as total ear wax removal would leave your ear dry and itchy, which can be quite uncomfortable.

However, there are however certain things you can do to care for your ear,

• You could use a clean damp cloth to clean the outer areas of your ears.

• You can apply cerumenolytic solutions such as mineral oil, hydrogen peroxide and baby oil to help soften the earwax. This should be done after consulting your doctor and prior to your ear wax removal procedure.

How you shouldn’t attempt to remove your earwax

Earwax removal should be left to professionals, as trying to remove it yourself might not end well for you. There are a number of unhealthy ways to remove earwax, they include

• Inserting cotton swabs and sharp objects into the ear. This can push the ear wax further down the ear canal. Other hazards include injury to the ear canal and perforation of the eardrum.

• Using earwax candles to dry up the ear wax in the ear canal. This can cause skin burns, bleeding, house fires, and puncture to the eardrum.

• Ear syringing: This procedure was widely used in clinics all over the UK until it was discredited by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), due to its high failure rate.

Ear wax removal procedures cost about £85 in private clinics. There are reliable procedures which ensure the safe and painless ear wax removal experience. So, if you are in Barnsley or its surrounding towns, you can book a same-day ear wax removal appointment on our website. Otherwise, find an earwax removal clinic closest to you here.