Brant Audiology & Tinnitus provides professional ear wax removal services in Wyoming.

Ear wax, also known as cerumen, is a natural substance made by glands in your ear canal. Its job is to keep your ear canal moist and protect it by catching dust and dirt so they don’t bother your eardrum. But sometimes, too much wax can build up and cause problems like hearing loss, tinnitus or feeling uncomfortable. It might even lead to infections.

If ear wax builds up too much, it might block your ear canal or make it hard to hear. If you have trouble hearing or your ear hurts, you might need to remove the wax. It’s important to do this safely so you don’t push the wax deeper into your ear or hurt the delicate parts inside.

Audiologists at Brant Audiology & Tinnitus are experts who can help remove ear wax safely. We know the best ways to clean your ears without causing any harm. Getting help from an audiologist can reduce the chance of problems and keep your ears healthy.

Schedule an appointment with the best audiologists in Wyoming today!

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Understanding Ear Wax

Ear wax comes in two main types: wet and dry. Wet ear wax is common in people of European and African descent. It’s moist and sticky. Dry ear wax is more common in East Asians and Indigenous Americans. It’s flaky and brittle.

Ear wax does an important job of keeping our ears healthy. First, it protects the delicate skin inside our ear canals from water, germs, and things that shouldn’t be there. It also keeps the skin moisturized so it doesn’t get dry and itchy.

Ear wax helps clean our ears naturally. It moves slowly from deep inside the ear canal to the outside. As it moves, it takes away dirt and extra wax. This helps keep our ears clean and healthy.

How Do You Know If You Have Ear Wax?

Identifying if you have ear wax or cerumen buildup, is important to prevent problems caused by it.

Here are signs that could mean you have ear wax buildup:

1. Hearing Loss: You might notice your hearing getting worse slowly or suddenly. Your ear might also feel full because wax blocks the ear canal and stops sound from reaching your eardrum.

2. Earache or Discomfort: Ear wax buildup can make your ear hurt or feel uncomfortable. It could be a mild ache or a sharp pain.

3. Tinnitus: Sometimes, you might hear ringing, buzzing, or other noises in your ear. This is called tinnitus. Ear wax pressing on your eardrum or changing how your ear canal works can cause it.

4. Itching or Feeling Blocked: Too much ear wax might make your ear itch or feel like something’s blocking it, even if you can’t see a lot of wax outside your ear.

5. Vertigo or Dizziness: In rare cases, a lot of ear wax can affect your balance system. This might make you feel dizzy or like things are spinning around you.

Some factors can make you more likely to have too much ear wax, such as:

  • Genetics: Some people naturally make more ear wax than others.
  • Using Hearing Aids or Earplugs: Things you put in your ear can push wax deeper inside and stop it from coming out naturally.
  • Using Cotton Swabs Often: Putting cotton swabs or other things in your ear can push wax farther in and stop your ear from cleaning itself.
  • Narrow or Curvy Ear Canals: Some people have ears shaped in ways that make wax buildup more likely.
  • Skin Problems: Conditions like eczema or psoriasis can change the skin inside your ear and make more wax.

If you have a lot of ear wax, you might have mild problems like itching or more serious issues like ear infections or even a torn eardrum.

If you notice any of these signs or think you might have too much ear wax, it’s important to see an audiologist.

How Do You Clean Your Ears?

Cleaning your ears is important, but you need to be careful. If you push wax further inside your ear or hurt yourself, it can be painful. So, when you clean your ears, do it gently, and don’t put anything deep inside.

Here are some tips to safely clean your ears:

Do’s in Cleaning Your Ears
  1. Clean Your Outer Ear Gently: Use a soft washcloth with warm water to wipe the outside of your ear.
  2. Use Ear Drops if Needed: If wax buildup is a problem, you can use ear drops from the store. These drops can soften the wax to make it easier to remove. Many wax removal drop kits come with a syringe that allows you to flush your ear with water after using the drops. If you flush your ear, be sure the water is body temperature. Using water in your ear canal that is too warm or too cold will make you dizzy.
  3. Get Help if You Need It: If you think you have too much wax in your ear or if your ear feels blocked or hurts, visit your audiologist.
  • Skip The Swab: Never put cotton swabs or anything else into your ear. Doing this can push wax further inside and hurt your ear.
  • Avoid Ear Candling: Don’t use ear candles. They might burn you and push wax deeper into your ear. There are no clinical studies showing any benefit from using ear candles.
  • Self-medication: Don’t use ear drops or squirt water into your ear too often without asking a doctor or audiologist. This could make your ear sore or cause an injury.

You can safely remove ear wax at home using a few different methods. One way is to use over-the-counter ear drops. These drops usually have things like hydrogen peroxide or saline that make the wax in your ears softer, so it’s easier to take out.

Another method is called ear irrigation. This means gently rinsing your ear canal with warm water. You can do this with a bulb syringe or a special kit made for ear cleaning. It helps to loosen up the wax that has softened from the drops.

Ear wax removal kits are also available. They usually come with drops to soften the wax and tools for irrigation. These kits give you everything you need to safely and effectively clean your ears at home. Just make sure to read and follow the instructions carefully. And if you’ve had ear infections or a hole in your eardrum before, talk to a doctor before using these methods.

If you feel any pain, dizziness, or your symptoms get worse while trying to clean your ears, it’s important to see a healthcare professional for help.

How Does An Audiologist Clean Ears?

Audiologists use different techniques to remove ear wax, depending on how much wax there is and how sensitive your ears are. One way is irrigation, where warm water is gently squirted into the ear to wash out the wax.

Microsuction is another method, using a tiny vacuum to carefully suck out the wax, which is good for people with small or sensitive ear canals. Curettage involves using special tools to gently scrape out the wax.

At Brant Audiology, we will check your ears carefully and talk to you about how the procedure works and any risks. Our expert Wyoming audiologists use the right tools and methods to make sure the wax comes out safely and comfortably.

Afterward, your hearing may improve, and any ear problems you have might feel better, reducing the chance of infections.

Ear Irrigation

Ear irrigation is a common procedure used by healthcare professionals, including audiologists and primary care physicians, to remove excess ear wax and debris from the ear canal. It involves flushing the ear canal with a gentle stream of warm water to dislodge and remove accumulated wax safely. This method is particularly effective for individuals with stubborn or impacted wax that cannot be easily removed through other means.

The process of ear irrigation typically begins with a thorough examination of the ear to assess the extent of wax buildup and to ensure there are no underlying conditions that may contraindicate the procedure. 

Next, a specialized irrigation device, such as a bulb syringe or an ear irrigation system, is filled with lukewarm water. The healthcare professional then gently inserts the tip of the device into the ear canal and begins to irrigate the ear with a steady stream of water. The water flows into the ear canal, loosening and softening the wax, which is then carried out of the ear canal along with the water.

Throughout the procedure, the healthcare professional may use an otoscope, a handheld instrument with a light and magnifying lens, to monitor the process and ensure that the irrigation is performed safely and effectively. They may also use gentle manipulation techniques to assist in dislodging stubborn wax or debris.

After the irrigation is complete, the patient may be instructed to tilt their head to allow any remaining water to drain out of the ear canal. A soft cloth or tissue can be used to gently dry the outer ear.

Overall, ear irrigation is a simple and effective method for removing excess ear wax and debris, providing relief from symptoms such as earache, hearing loss, or a feeling of fullness in the ear. However, it is essential to have the procedure performed by a qualified healthcare professional to minimize the risk of injury or complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you know if you need ear irrigation?

You may need ear irrigation if you experience symptoms such as hearing loss, earache, a feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear, or if you notice excessive ear wax buildup during routine ear examinations. 
If home remedies like over-the-counter ear drops or gentle cleaning with a washcloth have been ineffective in addressing ear wax buildup, ear irrigation may be necessary to remove stubborn or impacted wax. 
It’s essential to consult a healthcare professional, such as an audiologist or ear, nose and throat (ENT) physician, for proper assessment and recommendation of ear irrigation if you experience persistent or bothersome symptoms related to ear wax accumulation. They can evaluate your ear health and determine if ear irrigation is the appropriate course of action for your specific situation.

Using a WaterPik or similar devices for ear cleaning is not recommended and can be dangerous. The powerful jet of water produced by these devices can cause injury to the delicate structures of the ear canal, including the eardrum. 
The force of the water can push ear wax deeper into the ear canal, exacerbating the problem rather than resolving it. It’s essential to use safe and approved methods for ear cleaning, such as over-the-counter ear drops or irrigation techniques performed by a qualified healthcare professional. 
If you have concerns about ear wax buildup or ear health, consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and guidance on appropriate ear cleaning methods.

The frequency of professional ear cleaning varies depending on individual factors such as ear wax production, ear anatomy, and overall ear health. In general, most people do not need frequent professional ear cleaning, as the ears are self-cleaning and typically maintain a healthy balance of ear wax. 

For individuals prone to excessive ear wax buildup or those with specific medical conditions affecting the ears, professional cleaning may be recommended on an as-needed basis. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional, such as an audiologist or otolaryngologist (ENT physician), who can assess your ear health and provide personalized recommendations for the frequency of professional ear cleaning based on your unique needs and circumstances.

Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used as a home remedy to soften ear wax before removal, but it should be used with caution. While dilute hydrogen peroxide solutions (typically 3% concentration) can help break down ear wax and facilitate its removal, using too high a concentration, using it too often or using it incorrectly can lead to irritation, dryness, or damage to the delicate skin of the ear canal. 
It’s essential to follow proper instructions and guidelines when using hydrogen peroxide for ear cleaning, including diluting it with equal parts water and gently irrigating the ear canal. If you experience pain, discomfort, or worsening symptoms after using hydrogen peroxide in your ear, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and guidance.

The color of ear wax can range from light yellow to dark brown, with variations influenced by the presence of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. The texture of ear wax can vary from wet and sticky to dry and flaky, depending on the individual’s genetics and the amount of oil and sweat produced by the ear glands. 
Environmental factors such as exposure to dust, dirt, or pollutants can also influence the color and texture of ear wax. Overall, variations in ear wax color and texture are normal and typically do not indicate any underlying health concerns.

Brant Audiology & Tinnitus | Professional Ear Wax Removal in wyoming

At Brant Audiology & Tinnitus, we offer professional ear wax removal in Wyoming to ensure optimal ear health and hearing clarity. Our experienced audiologists use safe and effective techniques to gently remove excess ear wax, providing relief from symptoms such as hearing loss, earache, or tinnitus. 

Our clinic provides comprehensive ear care solutions tailored to individual needs. Don’t let ear wax buildup affect your quality of life—schedule an appointment with us today for expert ear wax removal services in South-East Wyoming.