For most people, ear wax is an unpleasant substance that must be removed. When our ears feel blocked, many of us end up pricking our ears with different objects. Be it Q-tips or ear candles, stores are full of creative options that claim to remove wax from your ears.
In reality, these unique options often damage the eardrums, causing hearing loss. With rising hearing aids cost, consider going for professional advice when feeling blocked in the ears.
What is Ear Wax?
Ear wax, or as it is technically known, cerumen, plays an important role in the human body. This sticky substance in your ear collects dirt, dead skin and other foreign particles. It further prevents them from damaging the delicate portions of your ears.
In case the ceruminous glands produce too much wax, it may lead to a condition known as tinnitus. Tinnitus is when one can hear sounds like ringing and buzzing in the ears. This condition often results from blocked pathways of the ears.
Symptoms of Wax Blockage
Excessive accumulation of wax in the ears can potentially block ear pathways. When exposed to substances like dirt and dead skin cells, the wax may clog the ear canals, which results in wax blockage. The common symptoms of wax blockage are as follows–
- Earache and pain
- Ringing in the ears
- Hearing loss
- Fullness in the ears
Prolonged blockage of the ear pathways may also indicate other underlying conditions like tinnitus. If the symptoms persist, it is best to consult a healthcare professional. Hearing aid cost start from around $1000, and these may sometimes help with the condition.
Methods of Ear Wax Removal
If you are suffering from wax blockage, there are various ways to remove it. The best among them is to visit an expert and have it removed safely and effectively. Doctors use the following methods to securely remove accumulated wax from ear canals –
- Scraping – Depending on the severity of the wax buildup, doctors use curettes to safely remove the excessive wax. This action should never be performed at home because it can severely damage the ears.
- Irrigation – This is one of the most effective ways of ear wax removal. Doctors use pressurised water to soften the wax and drain it out of the ears. It is a painless and safe procedure that is done with a water pick or bulb syringe.
- Micro suction – The most advanced of all the techniques, doctors use the dry micro suction vacuum to effectively remove any wax buildup from your ears. Though the process may feel a little unusual in the ears, it is completely safe and the best way to remove wax buildup.
Final Note
Besides wax accumulation, various underlying conditions may affect our hearing capacity. If your hearing is not improved with these processes, your doctor may suggest you consider a hearing aid. Presently hearing aids cost is variable according to size and features, but they can seriously improve the quality of life.
