Top Signs You Need Professional Earwax Removal in Canberra

 We all know that excessive earwax buildup can lead to discomfort and complications. While not all earwax needs to be removed, professional earwax removal may be necessary when it causes blockage, discomfort, or other complications.

So, how do you know it is time to get rid of it? This guide will walk you through the signs that say you need professional earwax removal!

 

Ready? Let’s get into it!

Clinical Signs You Need Professional Earwax Removal

What is the role of earwax? Why does it become a problem?

Earwax, also called cerumen, is naturally produced by ceruminous and sebaceous glands in the ear canal. Cerumen protects the ear by trapping dust, bacteria, and any other foreign particles.

 Earwax naturally migrates out of the ear canal, where it dries and falls off. However, this natural process can be disrupted. How?

 This disruption happens due to several reasons:

●       Using cotton swabs or earbuds, which push the wax deeper into the ear canal.

●       Naturally narrow or curved ear canals which hinder natural wax removal.

●       Wearing hearing aids or earplugs every day can trap the wax.

What are some Signs of Needing Earwax Removal?

Persistent Ear Fullness and Gradual Hearing Loss

A common sign of needing earwax removal is a blocked sensation in your ear, which can affect your ability to concentrate.

This fullness can often result in gradual hearing loss. In fact, earwax impaction, an excessive buildup of wax, is a reversible cause of conductive hearing loss.

While it is not the only reason for hearing loss, it is the most common and easiest to treat. Get professional ear cleaning to ensure that you don’t experience such issues.

Earache or Discomfort

Impacted cerumen can press against the ear canal and cause significant discomfort or pain. This can also lead to secondary infections and inflammations.     

 This type of pain can often lead to gradual hearing loss. Please consult experts for safe ear cleaning methods that ensure your safety and alleviate discomfort.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus is the perception of a sound in your head, but there is no external source of it. It is usually described as persistent ringing, buzzing, or humming in the ear.

 While tinnitus is mainly caused by unrelated neurological or auditory causes, in some individuals, impacted earwax can worsen tinnitus by blocking sound conduction.

 It is wise to get professional ear cleaning to rule out earwax as a contributing factor to tinnitus, which can also result from more complex neurological issues.

Itching, Irritation, and Odour

If you notice chronic itchiness inside your ears, it may indicate excess earwax buildup that requires professional cleaning. This could also be a sign of a fungal infection within the ear.

 Impacted earwax traps moisture, breeding bacteria in it. This typically leads to foul odour from the ear and abnormal discharge.

 Please consult an audiologist for ear cleaning immediately in such cases. 

Losing Balance

Sensation of imbalance is generally caused by neurological issues, but in rare cases, significant wax buildup can also be the reason.

 This is a very serious sign of needing earwax removal. It is best to seek an audiologist as soon as possible in such scenarios.

Recurrent Ear Infections

Excessive earwax can lead to recurring outer ear infections (otitis externa), commonly known as “swimmer’s ear”.

 This is because the excess build-up of wax traps the moisture and bacteria within it, making it the perfect environment for pathogens to grow. Trapped moisture macerates the ear canal, making it more susceptible to infections. 

 Regular earwax removal by a trained audiologist can help minimise the risk of infections.

Inability or Difficulty in Using Hearing Aids

Hearing aid users are advised to get their ears cleaned regularly. Earwax can clog hearing aids, leading to reduced sound clarity and increased battery consumption.

 These issues often signal that a professional ear cleaning is overdue. Besides, wearing hearing aids pushes the earwax deeper into the ear canal, making it harder for natural earwax removal to happen.

How is Professional Ear Cleaning Done?

Professional ear cleaning aims to clear enough wax to remove obstruction and restore sound transmission, not to clean the ear canal completely or cosmetically. It is performed in three ways:

1. Microsuction: A gentle vacuuming technique used with a microscope for enhanced visibility. Professional audiologists often prefer this earwax removal method, as it has zero risk of pushing wax deeper.
2. Irrigation: A controlled water flushing technique that extricates and removes wax. Best for people with softer wax blockage.
3. Curettage: A manual technique in which trained hearing professionals use sterile tools to scoop or pull out impacted wax under visual guidance.

 There are qualified professionals out there who can safely and precisely perform ear cleaning for you. These are audiologists, ENTs, GPs, and nurses trained in earwax removal.

 Visiting an audiologist offers a unique value, as they are university-trained professionals specialising in hearing health and ear-related concerns.

 In addition to safety, they can conduct a hearing test to determine if the earwax needs removal or not. If wax is removed and the ear still feels blocked, the audiologist can perform tympanometry (a middle ear pressure test) or full diagnostic hearing assessments to rule out other causes, such as hearing loss or Eustachian tube dysfunction.

 This comprehensive approach ensures no underlying issues are missed, making the audiologist’s earwax service truly holistic.

Final Thoughts

These are some basic signs of needing earwax removal done. With timely removal, you can avoid discomfort, pain, hearing loss, and loss of balance and maintain an overall healthier lifestyle.

 Recognise these signs? Then, it is time to get an earwax removal from certified audiologists. Schedule a professional ear cleaning today at Empower Hearing.

 We offer trusted care and an empowered approach. Book a consultation today!

 **We also provide free services to eligible pensioners, veterans, and concession cardholders under the Hearing Services Program.**

 Disclaimer: The information provided in this content is just for educational purposes and is written by a professional writer. Consult us to know more about earwax removal.