Earwax Removal

Earwax, a common yet often misunderstood substance, plays a vital role in maintaining ear health. Despite its importance, an overaccumulation can lead to discomfort and even temporary hearing impairment. At Associates in Audiology, we offer professional earwax removal to keep your auditory health in check and your hearing crystal clear.

Understanding the Role of Earwax

Scientifically known as cerumen, earwax is a natural secretion that provides multiple protective functions for our auditory system:

1. Shield Against Foreign Particles: Acting as a natural barrier, cerumen prevents dust, debris, and harmful microorganisms from entering the ear canal.
2. Hydration and Anti-Inflammation: Its moisturizing properties prevent the ear canal from becoming overly dry or inflamed.
3. A Natural Insect Repellent: It naturally repels insects and acts as a sticky trap for those that inadvertently enter.
4. Transportation of Dead Skin Cells: It assists in the expulsion of dead skin cells from the ear canal.

Despite these benefits, an excess buildup of cerumen can lead to complications, necessitating professional earwax removal.

Recognizing Earwax Accumulation

An overproduction of earwax can lead to a condition known as cerumen impaction. This condition can cause:

• A feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear
• Temporary hearing impairment
• An itching sensation, discharge, and discomfort in the ear
• Tinnitus, or a continuous ringing sensation in the ear

If you experience any of these symptoms, it may be time to schedule a professional earwax removal appointment.

Why Professional Earwax Removal?

While the body typically does a splendid job of naturally expelling cerumen, there are instances when professional intervention becomes necessary. Over-the-counter solutions and home remedies can sometimes exacerbate the problem, pushing the wax further into the ear canal, causing pain or even injury.

At Associates in Audiology, we offer safe, effective, and comfortable earwax removal services, tailored to your specific needs. Our methods include:

1. Manual Removal: Utilizing a set of specialized tools called curettes, we manually extract the earwax.
2. Irrigation: A gentle stream of body-temperature water is introduced into the ear canal to soften and remove the impacted wax.
3. Microsuction: Under the guidance of a binocular operating microscope, we use a medical-grade low-pressure suction device to remove the wax.

Each of our methods is designed with your comfort and safety in mind, ensuring a seamless and effective earwax removal process.

Steering Clear of Unadvised Practices

While it may be tempting to try and remove earwax at home using cotton buds or ear candles, these methods can lead to severe complications, including ear canal damage, eardrum perforation, and even increase the risk of infection.

What to Expect During Your Appointment

When you arrive for your earwax removal appointment at Associates in Audiology, our team will:

1. Conduct a thorough examination of your ears using an otoscope
2. Discuss the most suitable earwax removal method based on the condition of your ear canal
3. Perform the procedure, ensuring your comfort throughout
4. Provide aftercare advice to maintain ear health post-procedure

We strive to provide an experience that is as comfortable as it is effective, restoring your hearing to its optimal level.

Post-Procedure Care and Prevention

While professional earwax removal is a safe and effective way to manage cerumen buildup, prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to help prevent excessive earwax:

• Avoid using cotton buds or other objects to clean your ears
• Keep your ears clean and dry
• Regularly check for signs of excessive wax buildup

Remember, earwax is a natural part of your body’s defense system. Regular professional check-ups combined with proper at-home care can help maintain optimal ear health.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards better hearing.