Ear Hygiene and Wax Removal

[Jose Laris]

The production of ear wax is completely normal. The ears produce wax from glands in the outer half of the ear canal, for protection Ear wax and tiny hairs in the ear canal catch dust, bacteria, and other small particles, preventing them from getting further into the ear and damaging deeper structures, such as the eardrum. Problems can occur when ear wax builds up and becomes impacted. This can obstruct the ear canal, affecting one’s hearing. A buildup of too much earwax can even cause tinnitus.

Although it is extremely tempting to use a cotton bud or some other object to insert into your ear, especially if it is itchy, we strongly advise against it. Sensitive structures such as the eardrum can be permanently damaged by the insertion of foreign objects. Our ears are designed to be self-cleaning and ear wax removal and dead skin will normally migrate out of the ear canal with time.

As well as ear wax build up, or impaction, another common occurrence is when a foreign body gets stuck in the ear canal. For example insects, earrings, food particles, and the tips of cotton buds are some of the things that are sometimes discovered in patients’ ears. If left in the ear canal, foreign objects can cause irritation, infection, bleeding, and in worst cases, hearing loss – so they must be dealt with quickly.

If you feel you have excessive ear wax, a foreign body in your ear, or if you use hearing technology, the best course of action is to seek help from a professional and to have regular ongoing maintenance treatment. Our clinicians are highly skilled, with decades of experience in working with the delicate ear canal, to quickly and safely remove obstructions.

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