If you have had problems with built-up earwax in the past, then you may well have been told that there is nothing you can do to prevent the accumulation of wax in your ears. While it is true that there is nothing preventative you can do, earwax removal is a simple and easy process–but knowing when you might need it can be tricky.
We will walk you through all the signs that your earwax needs to be removed–detailing the symptoms of built-up earwax, how the treatments work, and any preparation you may need to do before your appointment for ear wax removal. Clogged ears may feel like just a minor inconvenience–but it can cause serious long-term damage when it is left unaddressed.
Understanding Your Ears
The first thing to point out about earwax is that it is different for everyone. For a wide variety of reasons, different people deal with different amounts of earwax buildup. Excessive earwax buildup may simply never be a problem for some people, and it can be a routine irritation for others.
If your ears produce a lot of wax, comparatively speaking, then that wax is more prone to accumulate debris from your ears like dirt and skin cells. The wax should, under ordinary circumstances, move naturally out of the ears, but for some, there is simply too much to naturally move this way.
Symptoms of Blocked Ears
Knowing when you might need ear wax removal services starts with identifying the symptoms of the build-up in the first place. As you might expect, the first is likely to be disrupted hearing; you may find that you have trouble hearing, particularly out of the most affected ear. There are several reasons why one ear might be worse affected than the other–for instance, if you always sleep on the same side.
This loss of hearing, if caused by earwax build-up, will likely be accompanied by a feeling of fullness in the ears. The earwax will create the sensation that your ears are physically plugged up–an uncomfortable, even painful feeling similar to earache.
Any one of these symptoms can imply earwax build-up alone–but all together they make a pretty clear-cut case. Approaching earwax removal in Horley is still something you should do with slow consideration and care. A very common question around earwax buildup is whether it can be the cause of tinnitus.
Earwax and Tinnitus: The Relationship
Tinnitus is a condition that can derive from a host of different causes–but earwax buildup is certainly one of them. Tinnitus is a sharp, constant ringing sound in your ear, and it can be extremely distressing. Built-up ear wax can cause pressure in the ear, pressing into your eardrum and causing this ringing noise. While many of its causes render it untreatable if you address it quickly enough, tinnitus caused by earwax can be alleviated very easily with earwax removal.
Earwax Removal: The Solutions
If any of the above symptoms sound familiar to you, then it is definitely time to consider earwax removal. The problems associated with earwax buildup can become long-term issues when ignored or left untreated, especially in the case of tinnitus. It is in your best interests, then, at the very least to seek out professional advice.
Microsuction Earwax Removal
With a professional hand, earwax removal is a quick and easy process with long-lasting benefits. Among the most common and effective methods used is known as microsuction. This involves using a specialised vacuum to suction the wax out of the ears.
Other Methods
In other cases, ear irrigation or syringing is also used as a means of flushing earwax out using warm water. Manual removal involves the use of precise equipment to remove the wax manually–this method is less favoured generally and tends to pose a higher risk of causing harm.
Preparing For Treatment
If you are having your ears removed via microsuction, there are a few things you can do to make the process more effective. In less severe cases, these steps may also constitute a home remedy which, at least for a time, can relieve your symptoms. Ear drops, such as olive oil ear drops, can be easily applied at home and will help soften the earwax and may clear your ear canals. Ultimately, though, ear drops may not be enough on their own.
So, When Should You Seek Treatment?
The signs of earwax buildup, while they may creep up on you, are fairly easy to identify once you know what you’re looking for. If you have trouble hearing or feel as though your ears are blocked or ringing constantly, then the simplest explanation is likely earwax build-up. However, even if it turns out not to be the cause, eliminating this as an explanation will help you get treatment for the actual cause.
Seeking out professional advice is easy and simple, and at Ear Wax Solutions in Horley, we can guide you to the best help and support. Your hearing is not something you want to take a chance with, and the process of removal is far quicker and simpler than you might expect. By seeking out treatment sooner rather than later, you give your ears the best chance of fully recovering from the issues associated with earwax removal.
Get in touch with us to discuss your needs and find out how we can help today–and enjoy better ear health and hearing instantly.