Earwax Removal in Salisbury, NC
Even though most of us would prefer not to have earwax, it can be quite helpful in moderate amounts. As it travels from the interior of the ear canal outside, collecting dirt, hair, dead skin cells, and debris along the way, it acts as a natural ear cleaner.
Earwax possesses antibacterial and antifungal qualities, according to some studies. In fact, your ears are probably going to feel itchy or uncomfortable if there isn't enough earwax in them.
However, having too much earwax to the point of impaction or obstruction is another story. In this case, you will need to see an audiologist for professional earwax removal.
What is earwax?
Earwax is a natural secretion that comes from some glands in your ear canal. It can be compared to a gland that produces sweat, so basically, earwax can be likened to ear sweat. Some people aren’t born with glands that produce earwax which causes itchiness in the ears. Put simply, earwax is an important, natural occurrence in the ear.
Why is earwax removal important?
Excess earwax may affect your hearing and may also cause difficulties or physical obstruction during ear check-ups.
Earwax can trigger or cause problems with hearing aids. Why? It’s because earwax is designed to be drawn out from the ears. When you’re wearing hearing aids, you’re basically putting something in your ear which traps or obstructs the natural flow of the earwax.
This is why it is very important to see us regularly. We remove the earwax using sterile tools and proper techniques. Not all hearing healthcare providers are equipped to perform earwax removal, so you need to be very careful in choosing the right hearing care provider.
Can you remove ear wax at home?
Earwax removal can be done at home. There are numerous ear drops or earwax removal kits available at major drugstores. However, we do not really encourage earwax removal at home. Why? It’s because you can’t really see what’s going on inside your ear and it may actually do more harm than good. Also, in the event that you have excessive or occluded earwax, it is much better to see us so not to aggravate the situation.
How do you know if you have earwax build up?
Some people can sense or feel that they have an earwax buildup. People with excessive earwax build-up are most likely to experience a feeling of occlusion, a sensation of fullness in the ears, pain, discomfort and/or itchiness inside the ears.
Is hydrogen peroxide safe?
Hearing healthcare professionals would never recommend pure hydrogen peroxide in the ear canal. One reason is that hydrogen peroxide has a drying agent, so it can really dry the skin. Dryness inside the ears can lead to itchiness.
You might notice that most over-the-counter earwax removal products are peroxide based, however, they are diluted. Never put pure or undiluted hydrogen peroxide in your ears. If you’re planning to do so, you might as well use over-the-counter earwax removal kits.
Can you use cotton swabs to remove earwax?
Medical professionals never recommend inserting a Q-tip into the ear canal. When you do that, you might see some evidence or discoloration on the Q-tip. Looking at the discharge or earwax you might think that you have successfully removed the earwax.
However, it doesn’t really work that way. You are actually pushing the earwax or debris further down into the ear canal. By doing so, the little hairs that line the ear canal can’t do their job. They help move the earwax outward. But when the little hairs are packed with earwax, they don’t work properly.
If you really want to use Q-tips or cotton buds, you can use them on the outer part of the ear, like the bowl of the ear, the ridges, or the pinna. Again, inserting cotton swabs in the ear canal is highly discouraged.
Is earwax removal painful?
Earwax removal is generally painless. There's no need for painkillers or anesthesia. To avoid harming the ear canal, it's crucial to remain still throughout the procedure. We use a variety of different methods to remove earwax and will choose the best method depending on your individual needs.
Can earwax cause tinnitus or be mistaken for tinnitus?
Excessive earwax can lead to tinnitus. This happens when excessive earwax is trapped right against the eardrum. Fortunately, this type of tinnitus can be addressed by professional earwax removal.
If the blocked earwax has already been eliminated but you are still suffering from tinnitus, more tests might be required to determine the cause of your tinnitus.
Earwax removal in Salisbury, NC
Your hearing health matters. We make sure that every aspect of your hearing is well taken care of. At Hearing Solutions of North Carolina, we use the latest and most advanced hearing care technology to provide you with the best possible hearing experience.
We offer professional ear wax removal in Salisbury, NC, and nearby locations.
Contact us today to book an appointment!