Earwax removal methods to avoid
by Admin
Posted on 26-09-2022 08:04 AM
Wax is a normal bodily secretion and need only be removed if it causes deafness or interferes with a proper view of the
ear
drum.
Syringing is best avoided in patients with a history of recurring otitis externa, a history of ear drum perforation, or previous surgery. Sodium bicarbonate ear drops and olive oil are considered the standard first line products for the removal of ear wax. Nhs england (nhse) has published new prescribing guidance for various common conditions for which over-the-counter (otc) items should not be routinely prescribed in primary care ( quick reference guide ). One of these conditions is the build-up of earwax.
There are two main methods of earwax removal: irrigation and microsuction. Irrigation or ear syringing involves shooting a low-pressure stream of water inside the ear to clear the canal. This method is rather messy and can induce discomfort. Additionally, this procedure can’t be carried out on those who’ve recently had ear surgery or are suffering from a perforated eardrum or ear infection. Microsuction earwax removal gently suctions wax from the ear, and the audiologist uses a microscope to identify blockages to clear. Best for safe earwax removal, this method is precise and minimises the risk of infection. Related: syringing vs microsuction ear wax removal — which works best?.
Earwax lubricates and cleans the outer ear canal, kills bacteria and traps foreign objects such as dust and fungal spores. So it isn’t actually a bad thing. Unfortunately, sometimes it builds up to the point that it blocks the ear canal, that’s when you have a problem. The thing is, not all ear wax is the same, earwax comes in two varieties: wet and dry. The type you have is determined by your genes. The best ear wax removal process for you is based on the type of ear wax you have and the consistency at the time of removal.
Get new articles direct to your inbox. Subscribe to this blog via email. What's the best hearing aid on the market? there appears to be much debate on-line about the best method of removing troublesome ear-wax. The truth is that ear-wax only really becomes troublesome when the ear-canal becomes occluded - blocked or almost completely blocked by a gradual build up of wax. Under these circumstances whatever is administered into the ear-canal does not really penetrate very deeply and only serves to soften or breakdown the outer layers of that plug of wax. We at hearing matters performed a short study of two methods of earwax softening on clients we saw in our clinics.
Why and when you should clean out earwax
In a
of 206 college-aged students, the vast majority practiced ear-cleaning. Seventy-five percent said they believed the practice to be beneficial for their health. But the thing is, you don’t really need to clean earwax out of your ears. Earwax isn’t dirt. Earwax serves an important purpose: lubricating and protecting your ears. It even helps
of ear infections, since it has antibacterial properties. Of removing your earwax can outweigh the potential benefit. Cleaning out earwax with a cotton swab can damage or irritate your ear canal or even puncture your eardrums. You should also understand that when you clean out the earwax you can see — using an object you put in your ear — you’re also shoving earwax deeper into your ears, which can lead to earwax impaction (blockages) over time.
Last week, i broke the cardinal rule when it comes to trying to remove earwax build-up. I used a cotton-tipped swab to try to clean the wax out. I know better than to use any kind of probing device in my ear, but i have admittedly used the same cleaning technique for years with no issues. This time was different though. I immediately knew i had pushed the earwax further into my ear instead of removing it, because within seconds my hearing was clearly muffled. I knew i had not perforated my eardrum because i did not insert the cotton-tipped swab far enough into my ear.