Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a natural substance produced by the body to protect the ear canal. However, it can sometimes accumulate excessively. This buildup can lead to various issues that necessitate professional removal. When earwax causes problems, a healthcare provider can safely take steps to remove it.
Reasons for Professional Ear Cleaning
Earwax plays an important role in ear health, cleaning the ears and protecting them from dust, dirt, and infection. For most individuals, ears are self-cleaning, with earwax naturally migrating out of the ear canal. However, certain factors can disrupt this natural process, leading to a buildup known as cerumen impaction.
Some people naturally produce a large amount of earwax, or their ear canals may be narrow or unusually shaped, which can impede the wax’s natural exit. The use of hearing aids, earplugs, or even cotton swabs can push wax deeper into the ear canal, preventing its natural clearance. When earwax becomes impacted, it can cause discomfort and affect hearing.
Common Professional Ear Cleaning Methods
Medical professionals use several safe and effective techniques to remove earwax. One common method is irrigation, where warm water, often mixed with saline, is gently flushed into the ear canal to loosen and wash away the wax. This procedure is typically performed under medical supervision, ensuring the water temperature is correct to avoid dizziness. Irrigation is generally not recommended for individuals with a perforated eardrum.
Another technique is manual removal, which involves using specialized hand tools like a curette or forceps to carefully extract the wax. This method is often used for darker or harder wax. Microsuction is a modern and increasingly common approach that uses a low-pressure vacuum device to gently suction the wax out of the ear canal. During microsuction, the professional can directly visualize the ear canal using a microscope or magnifying loupes, allowing for precise removal.
Signs You Need Professional Ear Cleaning
Several symptoms can indicate a need for professional ear cleaning. Muffled hearing or a noticeable decrease in hearing ability is a common sign. A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear, similar to being underwater, or persistent earache can also signal an earwax blockage.
Other indications include ringing or buzzing noises in the ear, known as tinnitus, and a sensation of dizziness or vertigo. If you notice discharge, an unpleasant odor coming from the ear, or persistent itching, these could also suggest an issue requiring medical attention. These symptoms warrant a consultation with a healthcare provider to determine if earwax removal is necessary.
Dangers of DIY Ear Cleaning
Attempting to clean ears at home carries significant risks. Cotton swabs, despite their common use for ear cleaning, often push earwax deeper into the ear canal, leading to impaction and worsening the problem. This can cause discomfort, pain, and even hearing loss. The delicate skin lining the ear canal can also be scratched or irritated, increasing the risk of infection.
More severe dangers include perforating the eardrum, a painful injury that can result from pushing a cotton swab too far or too forcefully. A punctured eardrum can lead to severe pain, fluid leakage, and temporary or even permanent hearing loss. Infections can also occur if bacteria are introduced into the ear canal or if the ear’s natural protective barrier is compromised.
Ear candling, an unproven home remedy, is particularly dangerous. This practice involves lighting a hollow candle and placing it in the ear, with proponents falsely claiming it creates suction to draw out wax. Medical authorities, such as the FDA, warn against ear candling due to risks like burns to the face, ear canal, or eardrum from hot wax or ash. It can also push wax deeper or introduce candle wax into the ear, causing blockages and further complications.