Ear wax is a natural secretion produced by glands in the ear. It helps to protect the ear canals from debris, dust, and bacteria. Although the gooey stuff is vital to the health of the ear's operation, too much of it can lead to infection and blockage.
If you don't clean your ears properly and regularly to remove the ear wax or the ear's natural cleaning mechanisms don't work as required, the ear wax may accumulate and start causing various problems for the ears and your sense of hearing.
Excess earwax must be removed using various methods. However, most people are concerned about their earwax removal appointment because the process seems painful and uncomfortable. But is earwax removal a painful process?
What Causes Earwax to Build up?
Before removing earwax, it's important to understand the different factors that cause it and how to prevent it from building up.
Ideally, if everything is normal and you're secreting an adequate amount of earwax, and after a while, it migrates to the outer ear and falls out, you have nothing to worry about.
However, not everyone produces the same amount of ear wax, and many people find that their ear canal glands make too much wax. When this happens, many people try to poke and prod the wax out of their ears, which can hurt the structures in the ear and cause earwax impaction.
Other factors can also lead to increased earwax production, such as wearing ear pods for long periods, infections, or sticking foreign objects inside the ear. If you wear hearing aids, you may also experience increased earwax production.
You can also get impacted earwax or buildup, which is commonly caused by using cotton buds or anything else to try and dislodge the earwax and coax it out of the ear. Instead of removing the wax, it ends up being pushed further down the ear canal, and you get a blockage that you can't get rid of.
Even wearing earphones can cause earwax buildup because the earphones prevent the wax from naturally falling out of the ears.
Earwax problems can also be caused by various conditions, such as bone growths and swimmer's ear, where water stays in the ear canal for prolonged periods, presenting an overly moist environment that promotes the breeding of bacteria.
Other conditions not associated with the ear, such as skin diseases, lupus, and some autoimmune conditions, can also lead to inflammation and make the ear canal too narrow, limiting the excretion of ear wax.
How Do You Know You Have Too Much Wax?
Having too much ear wax can lead to a range of hearing problems. If you have the following symptoms, it is possible they could be a result of having too much impacted earwax:
- Ringing or buzzing in the ear (called tinnitus).
- Earache
- Trouble with your hearing that comes on suddenly
- A feeling that your is somewhat full
If you experience these signs, you should consider seeking medical attention instead of dealing with them yourself, as doing so could make the problem worse.
In many cases, having the earwax removed can relieve the pain and ringing associated with impacted earwax. After the short procedure, your hearing can be restored, and the symptoms can subside.
Ignoring the earwax buildup does not improve your condition. If the earwax is impacted, it can lead to infection and cause persistent pain in the ear canal. You could also suffer ongoing hearing loss, dizziness, coughing spells, and dizziness, among other issues caused by the ear infection. You may also experience a smelly discharge coming from the ear as a result of the infection.
How Is Earwax Medically Removed?
There are several medical ways to remove earwax. The method used depends on the amount of earwax and the clinic you visit. Irrigation is quickly fading out and giving way to newer, more effective, and safer procedures such as micro suction ear wax removal.
Microsuction earwax removal is a fast and pain-free way to remove earwax. We use a special machine that gently and safely removes the wax from the ear. This method can be offered at our clinic or in the comfort of your home.
Ear irrigation may cause some discomfort. However, this procedure is rarely used because it may have adverse effects on your ears if not done properly. The micro suction process is the most commonly used earwax removal method, as it is painless and quick.
Why Opt for Microsuction Earwax Removal?
Microsuction stands out among other ear wax removal methods because of its minimal risk and discomfort. The procedure allows for a direct view of the ear canal throughout the process and enables precise and thorough removal of ear wax. This process has various advantages, which include:
No water usage
The micro-suction process does not involve using water. The added moisture reduces the risk of ear infection and eliminates the discomfort of having water introduced into the ear canal.
Immediate results
The micro suction process only takes a few minutes per ear and provides instant relief from symptoms. In some instances, patients may require another visit. If this is necessary, the follow-up visit is discounted and will be communicated to you soon.
Safety
This is the safest method of ear wax removal, especially for individuals with a history of ear surgery or recurring infections. Using this method, the specialist has a clear view of the ear canal. During the procedure, the audiologist can also investigate whether other issues could be affecting the ear canal and causing excess earwax production, such as inflammation or growth.
What to Expect During a Professional Earwax Removal Appointment
If it is your first time undergoing professional earwax removal, you might not be familiar with the process, which can make it slightly uncomfortable for you. But when you know what to expect, you will have an easier time with the appointment:
Detailed medical history
Your earwax removal process will start with a detailed medical history. This will include a list of medications you are currently taking and any health conditions and diagnoses. The goal is to establish the cause of the excess wax and whether the high earwax production will recur.
After the initial assessment and medical history, the specialist will select the ideal earwax removal that is best suited for you based on your overall health status.
Diagnosis of excessive wax buildup
The provider will examine your ears with an otoscope. This tool allows the provider to see clearly inside the ears and find earwax buildup. The specialist can also use this tool to check for infections or small objects that might be lodged inside the ear canal.
Wax removal procedure
There are many methods of professional wax removal, including manual removal, irrigation, and micro-suction. We prefer to use micro-suction because it is practical, fast, and does not make the patient uncomfortable or painful.
However, if there are other issues, such as small objects lodged inside the ear, we may use manual removal, which could include using a curette and forceps to remove the foreign objects. This method might be uncomfortable.
Post-procedural care
The micro suction procedure is pain-free, but some patients may feel some sensitivity after the procedure. This sensation is temporary and subsides quickly. To avoid any complications, it is crucial to follow post-procedural care advice from the specialist. These include not inserting anything into the ear and avoiding water entering the inner ear in some circumstances.
Why Might You Feel Pain After Ear Wax Removal
Ear pain pre or post-removal may be related to a possible infectious cause. If you feel pain after earwax removal for any other underlying cause, the pain can be addressed by:
- Choosing a qualified and experienced professional for the procedure
- Adhering strictly to aftercare instructions provided by the healthcare provider
- Avoid over-cleaning the ears as it can lead to irritation and other complications
Conclusion
Earwax removal, when performed correctly using the micro suction method, should not be painful. The process is safe, quick, and effective and usually results in a pain-free experience. It also helps to provide immediate relief for those suffering from earwax blockage.
If you're concerned about the earwax removal procedure, understanding the process and precautions involved can help alleviate your concerns.