Cerumen, also known as earwax, is naturally produced by the glands in the ears to lubricate the ear canals and keep dust and debris from getting too far down in the ear canal.
Cerumen typically clears itself from the ears, but in some instances can accumulate and cause a blockage, especially if you wear earmolds or hearing aids.
Symptoms of a cerumen blockage include:
- Earache
- Tinnitus (ringing of the ears)
- Decreased hearing
- Feeling of ear fullness
- Dizziness
If a blockage occurs, it may need to be removed. This can be done at home or at Shuswap Hearing Clinic, depending on the size and severity of the blockage.
Earwax removal methods to avoid
People commonly use cotton swabs to try and remove earwax or dislodge a blockage. However, this can sometimes cause more problems as cotton swabs may push the blockage further down into the ear canal, risking even more damage to the ear.
Cotton swabs themselves can also be accidentally inserted too far into the ear canal and can compact wax further or puncture your eardrum.
Physicians generally agree that cotton swabs are a bad idea for removing earwax and should only be used on the outer portions of your ear. You should never insert cotton swabs or any small object into your ear canal.
Removal at Shuswap Hearing Clinic
If the earwax blockage is more significant, it may need to be removed at Shuswap Hearing Clinic by our experienced provider, Dimos. At the clinic, we typically use one of two methods to remove earwax: irrigation or curettage.
Irrigation is the most common method Dimos uses to remove blockages. Unlike at-home earwax removal kits, Dimos may use stronger earwax removal medications in conjunction with irrigation. These medications often contain carbamide peroxide, which helps to break down the wax more effectively.
The less common method is curettage, which involves the use of a curette. A curette is a long, curved tool that may also be used with suction to remove cerumen from the ear canal.
To ensure a safe and effective removal process, it’s important to prepare for your visit. Softening the earwax before your appointment can make the removal easier and safer. You can do this by placing a few drops of mineral oil or baby oil in the affected ear before going to bed for a few nights leading up to your appointment with Dimos.
If you experience pain or discomfort due to earwax or suspect you have a blockage, it’s important to see Dimos at Shuswap Hearing Clinic as soon as possible to address the issue. Removing earwax doesn’t have to be painful and should bring you relief.