How do you clean your ears? Do you use cotton swabs? Safety pins? Or worst of all… ear candling? These methods may seem like easy, harmless ways to remove wax on your own, but can potentially be very dangerous and can cause permanent damage to your eardrums or hearing ability.
Wax is a naturally occurring substance in the ear with many health benefits. In fact, it’s good to have some wax in your ears, as it cleans, lubricates, and protects against bacteria. However, a large build-up of wax can lead to certain problems, including hearing loss, fullness or pressure in the ear, pain, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), or even an infection.
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, visit your Doctor or Audiologist so they can examine the ear canal for excessive wax build-up. If this is the case, here is what you can expect from a wax removal appointment here at AudioSense:
- The Audiologist will first perform otoscopy (look inside the ears). At AudioSense, we use state of the art technology and use a little camera to look inside the ears. The video is displayed on our monitors, so you can look too (if you want)!
- Depending on the consistency, depth, and amount of wax, the Audiologist will evaluate whether or not it should be removed. Sometimes it is not safe to remove wax at the initial appointment, and the Audiologist will discuss what the next steps should be in that case.
- If the Audiologist determines the wax is safe to remove, she will discuss the different methods of removal. At AudioSense, we have three methods to remove wax:
a. Lighted Curette – this is a little tool with a light that the Audiologist will use to remove wax from the canal by scooping it out.
b. Irrigation – also known as “flushing”. The Audiologist will use warm water to rinse out wax from the canal.
c. Suction – this is a vacuum that will suction out wax from the canal. - The Audiologist will perform otoscopy again, following wax removal, to examine the eardrums. If you are concerned that you might have an excessive build-up of wax, give us a call and book a wax consult with one of our Audiologists.
About the Author
Lauren Schofield
Inspired by her younger brother’s experience with hearing loss, Lauren pursued a career in audiology after completing a Health Science degree at Western University. She earned her Master's in Communication Disorders in London, Ontario, with a special interest in pediatric audiology. Her professional experience includes work at pediatric centres in Kelowna and Toronto, including The Hospital for Sick Children and Humber River Hospital. With a lifelong love of music from her background in competitive dance, she is passionate about helping others hear in meaningful ways. In Lauren's free time, she enjoys live music, cooking, and spending time outdoors.
