Have you recently noticed an audible change in your environment? Sounds may be muffled, people may seem like they’re mumbling, you keep having to turn the TV up. These could all be signs of hearing loss.
Don’t panic, there are many types of hearing loss. Whilst some are more serious than others, a common culprit is what’s called “conductive hearing loss”. Conductive hearing loss is a result of some kind of blockage occurring in the outer or middle ear – for example infection, fluid or earwax build-up.
Whilst earwax should usually fall out by itself, if a blockage is left to develop, it can lead to hearing loss, as well as other symptoms like earache, feelings of blocked ears, ringing ears (tinnitus) and even vertigo. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should seek medical assistance.
What is Earwax Made of?
Earwax is a natural substance produced by glands in the ear canal. It serves several important functions, including protecting the ear canal from dust, dirt, and bacteria, as well as lubricating the skin to prevent dryness and itching. Earwax is composed of a mixture of dead skin cells, hair, and secretions from the ceruminous glands. While it may not be the most glamorous substance, it plays a crucial role in maintaining ear health. It’s only when it’s compacted that it becomes a problem.
Where do I go to get earwax removed?
If you suspect your ears are blocked, you can go to a pharmacy where a pharmacist will be able to give you advice and suggested treatment. Unfortunately, very few NHS GP surgeries offer earwax removal nowadays, so you will likely have to pay for it to be done privately.
When looking for a practitioner to unblock your ears, it’s important to do your research. There are many ear syringing, microsuction and irrigation training courses available, some of which only last for one day. The people who finish these courses can advertise as certified to perform ear cleaning procedures with no experience needed. This has led to a lot of damaging ear wax removals.
Your ears are delicate instruments, and you should only trust them with experienced professionals. For example, Laura at Cambrian Hearing has been working in audiology for 10 years across NHS and private clinics, with a distinction from Anglia Ruskin University. Having performed microsuction on more than 1000 patients (that’s 2000 ears!) over the course of her career, she is a safe pair of hands.
If you are not in the Shropshire area and would struggle to get to Oswestry, then ensure the person you choose has similar credentials. You don’t want to risk an ear infection or making the situation worse.
How to Remove Earwax from Home
At Cambrian Hearing, we recommend always having your blocked ears viewed and treated by a professional. Whilst you may be tempted to stick a cotton bud or even a camera down your ear, these approaches don’t usually unblock your ear and can risk further compaction, ear infection, ear damage or even permanent hearing loss. Ear candles are readily available and often touted, but there is no evidence of them effectively removing wax and you risk damaging your hearing.
If you are waiting to see a professional and would like some alleviation, Laura suggests putting a few drops of olive oil in your ear, twice daily, to soften the wax, which may fall out whist you wait for professional help. (Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions)
Please don’t put anything else in your ears (we know it’s tempting!)
Does Earwax Removal Hurt?
One of the most common concerns surrounding earwax removal is if it hurts. The good news is that for most ears, earwax removal is a painless process. Microsuction involves inserting a small specula into the ear canal, and gently suctioning the wax out of the ear. Irrigation is gentle streams of warm water to wash out the ear canal. When done correctly by a professional audiologist, you should only feel mild discomfort at most.
How is Earwax Removed?
So, how exactly is earwax removed?. The most widely used method is currently microsuction. Microsuction gently and safely removes wax up a small suction tube and does not require any water. It’s less messy than syringing or irrigation and has lower chance of irritation or infection of the ears. Microsuction is suitable for most ear blockages.
It’s key that if you notice a change in your hearing, you act to protect it. A lot of people will wait massive amounts of time before getting their hearing checked, compensating in other ways. This can be a tiring and isolating experience, and you shouldn’t suffer in silence.
Think you need your ears clearing? Get in touch!
