Cerumen, also known as earwax, is naturally produced by the glands in the ears to lubricate the ear canals and keep dust and debris from getting too far down in the ear canal.
Cerumen typically clears itself from the ears, but in some instances can accumulate and cause a blockage, especially if you wear earmolds or hearing aids.
Symptoms of a cerumen blockage include:
- Earache
- Tinnitus (ringing of the ears)
- Decreased hearing
- Feeling of ear fullness
- Dizziness
If a blockage occurs, it may need to be removed. This can be done at home or at your hearing care professional’s office, depending on the size and severity of the blockage.
Earwax removal methods to avoid
People commonly use cotton swabs to try and remove earwax or dislodge a blockage. However, this can sometimes cause more problems as cotton swabs may push the blockage further down into the ear canal, risking even more damage to the ear.
Cotton swabs themselves can also be accidentally inserted too far into the ear canal and can compact wax further or puncture your eardrum.
Physicians generally agree that cotton swabs are a bad idea for removing earwax and should only be used on the outer portions of your ear. You should never insert cotton swabs or any small object into your ear canal.
Removal at your hearing provider’s office
If the earwax blockage is more significant, it may need to be removed at your hearing care professional’s office. Audiologist typically use one the three methods to remove the ear wax depending on the wax texture, depth, ear canal condition, and patient case history. Ear wax softening agents are commonly utilized alongside the methods mentioned earlier to facilitate the removal of ear wax. At AurisCare, patients have the option to purchase a product called Audiologist’s Choice, allowing them to soften the wax at home before their appointment. Softened wax is easier to remove, and it is advisable to undergo some softening before the scheduled appointment. Mineral/baby oils or over-the-counter products from the pharmacy can be used for wax softening.
Instrumentation:
Curettes (small spoons) and forceps are employed to extract ear wax situated near the opening of the ear canal. These tools, available in plastic or metal, are the preferred choice when the wax is easily reachable. Our Audiologist typically use lighted curettes for this method and is favored as it reduces the exposure of ear canals to moisture, consequently lowering the risk of infection.
Irrigation:
Our Audiologist utilizes a low-pressure irrigation system for ear wax removal. This safe and effective method flushes wax out of the ear canal without causing trauma to the eardrum. However, irrigation is not recommended in cases of a perforated ear drum, the presence of ear tubes, a history of middle ear trauma or disease, ongoing ear infection, or for patients experiencing vertigo. The audiologist will gently spray water into the canal during the procedure, periodically checking for the wax to clear and be expelled. It’s worth noting that irrigation can be a bit messy, and in certain circumstances, the patient’s shirt may get wet.
Microsuction:
This wax removal technique, often referred to as ear vacuuming, involves the use of a small vacuum by the audiologist to gently suction and dislodge earwax. As this process takes place, patients may experience a subtle suction sensation in the ear and hear a crackling or high-pitched squeaking sound emanating from the vacuum. Following the dislodging of the earwax, the audiologist will use forceps to remove it. Unlike irrigation, microsuction is suitable for patients with a perforated eardrum, a history of middle ear surgery or disease, or a mild outer ear infection. However, it’s worth noting that some patients may find the sound produced by the vacuum during the cleaning process uncomfortable.