What Causes Earwax Buildup?
Earwax, or cerumen, is a natural substance that plays an important role in ear health, protecting it from bacteria, water, and foreign particles. Normally, the ear canal cleans itself and excess earwax exits the ear canal naturally. However, excess wax can build and block the ear canal. Problems like ear infections can develop when there’s an excessive production of ear wax or improper ear cleaning, leading to hard, blocked earwax.
Earwax buildup often results from incorrect at-home removal methods like ear candles and other earwax removal kits. Surprisingly, these efforts can push wax deeper into the ear. Regular use of earphones and earplugs can also contribute to this issue and prevent the natural expulsion of earwax.
Recognizing Symptoms of Earwax Blockage
The signs of earwax blockage are distinct and should not be overlooked and often include:
- Earaches: A common discomfort associated with earwax buildup.
- Feeling of Fullness Inside the Ear: A sensation that your ear is clogged or congested.
- Hearing Loss: Blockages inside the ear can lead to a partial reduction in hearing.
- Tinnitus: Ringing in the ear or buzzing in the ear is a frequent symptom.
- Infection Signs: Severe pain and fever may indicate an infection, requiring medical attention.
If you experience these symptoms, especially if they persist or worsen, it’s important to consult with ENT specialists like PrimaryENT. They can determine whether the symptoms are due to earwax blockage or a more serious condition.
Effective Treatment for Earwax Blockage
Diagnosing earwax buildup requires a professional examination, typically using an otoscope. Common clinic treatment options to safely remove earwax include:
- Manual Removal: Using instruments like a curet to extract the wax.
- Suction: Gently removing the impacted earwax using a suction device.
- Flushing: Employing a water pick or warm water to clear the blockage.
For recurring issues, wax-removal medications might be recommended. At-home treatments can also be effective when used correctly and there are no complications like a tube or hole in the ear. Softening the wax with baby oil, mineral oil, or hydrogen peroxide, followed by gentle irrigation with warm water, can help with wax removal.
Home Remedies and Prevention
Managing earwax buildup doesn’t always require medical intervention and many people try to remove earwax at home. Here are some steps you can take at home:
- Softening Agents: Use an eyedropper to apply a few drops of softening oil to the ear canal.
- Warm Water Irrigation: To safely remove earwax, after the wax softens, use a rubber-bulb syringe to squirt warm water into the ear canal, then dry the ear with a towel.
Preventive measures include avoiding the insertion of objects into the ears, which can push wax deeper, and being cautious with earphone and earplug use. To avoid a messy home treatment and for safe and effective earwax removal, consider scheduling an appointment with one of our ENT doctors at PrimaryENT.
Expert Care for Earwax Removal at PrimaryENT
If you’re experiencing issues with earwax buildup or have concerns about ear health, our ENT specialists are here to help. With expert care from our doctors and personalized treatment plans, we ensure your comfort and the health of your ear are our top priority. Don’t let earwax buildup disrupt your life and wait months to see an ENT specialist, – contact PrimaryENT today for a consultation, same-day and next-day appointments are often available.
