There are a lot of different causes of hearing loss, although not all of them are related to your age or lifestyle. Sometimes, hearing loss can be fixed by simply removing impacted earwax from the ear canal. This can be difficult and dangerous to do on your own, so it’s important to get the help of an audiologist who can ensure your hearing is clear and obstruction-free.
What is Earwax?
Earwax is secreted by the skin inside your ear canal in order to protect the passageway and prevent bacteria from causing infections. Usually, it’s thin and waxy but can become thick when it builds up. Earwax can become impacted when you clean it out improperly or if your body simply produces more earwax than usual. Many people experience compacted earwax because of Q-tip use which can push the earwax further into the ear and cause it to become stuck. Another common cause of earwax compaction is regular use of earbud headphones or hearing aids. In any case, an audiologist can effectively remove earwax so you don’t experience further complications.
What Happens During Earwax Removal?
If you’ve been experiencing hearing loss or regular earwax impaction, our audiologists will take a comprehensive look at your lifestyle and factors that might be causing it. This way, we can recommend the right steps to take to prevent it from reoccurring. Our audiologists will also check for other sources of hearing loss by reviewing your complete list of symptoms, family history, the types of hearing protection you use, and more. This is part of our H.E.A.R. Method™ Treatment Program personalized hearing assessment. Then, we’ll perform an examination to assess your ears and whether there are any complications we should be aware of. Finally, our audiologists can perform earwax removal using a variety of methods that can be carefully selected for you. One technique includes special ear drops that can break up the earwax and allow it to be drained out. Another technique includes flushing out the ear canal with a saline solution. Earwax can also be removed manually with some special tools.
Why is Earwax Removal Important?
Earwax impaction doesn’t just cause temporary hearing loss— it can also cause uncomfortable pressure and even tinnitus if it’s not addressed. Also, earwax buildup can sometimes be indicative of certain health problems like infections, skin concerns, and even autoimmune diseases. Reoccurring earwax impaction can be a result of your anatomy or your body’s natural earwax production, meaning it’s important to have it regularly cleaned out by an audiologist.
Schedule an Appointment
Earwax removal should always be performed by an experienced audiologist. To meet with our team and learn more about how to prevent earwax impaction, we invite you to contact our Livingston office by calling or filling out our online form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Urgent Care remove ear wax?
Yes. Urgent care can remove ear wax but it is best to call ahead and confirm they offer that service.
Can you hear better after ear wax removal?
Yes. Removing built-up earwax can help you hear better.
Can you massage out ear wax?
No, you cannot massage out your ear wax.
Can you remove impacted ear wax at home?
While there are over the counter ear wax removal systems, it is best to consult a physician prior to using. At Hearing Doctors of New Jersey, if you are going to try and remove the ear wax at home, we recommend using Tech-Care Ear Wax Removal Kit.
Does over the counter ear wax removal work?
Yes, over the counter ear wax removal systems can work. At Hearing Doctors of New Jersey, we recommend using Tech-Care Ear Wax Removal Kit
How can I unclog my ears at home?
If your ears are clogged, it is always best to consult a physician to make certain that there is not a medical issue that needs attention.
How do you get earwax out without Q tips?
You should never use Q-tips to remove ear wax.
How often should ear wax be removed?
Ear wax removal frequency is dependent on the individuals ear.
Is Earwax removal painful?
When done correctly, ear wax removal should not be painful.
Should I get my ears professionally cleaned?
Yes. It is always best to seek the help of a professional when cleaning your ears.
Cant hear after using ear wax removal?
If you cant hear after having ear wax removed, you should seek medical attention.
Does earwax fall out at night?
Yes. Ear wax can fall out at any point during the day.
Does earwax fall out on its own?
Yes, ear wax can fall out on its own. However, if it is impacted, you will need to have it removed by a medical professional like an audiologist or ENT.
How do you know if you need ear wax removed?
If you are having difficulty hearing, you should have your ears checked for ear wax and have it removed prior to a having a comprehensive hearing test.
How do you prevent ear wax build up?
There is no way to prevent ear wax build up.
How do doctors clean ears?
There are several ways doctors clean ears and remove wax build up. These include:n1) Use of instrumentationn2) Use of irrigationn3) Use of softening drops
How do you remove stubborn ear wax at home?
There are several different at home products to remove ear wax. At Hearing Doctors of New Jersey, we recommend using Tech-Care Ear Wax Removal Kit
How do you know if you have earwax buildup?
If you are having difficulty hearing, it is important to seek medical attention and have check your ear for ear wax buildup. After the ear wax has been removed, you should have your hearing tested.
How much is earwax extraction?
Ear wax extraction may covered by your insurance. At Hearing Doctors of New Jersey, we recommend checking with your insurance provider about coverage.
What causes lots of earwax?
One of the most causes of ear wax blockage is the use of at home treatments like Q-tips. Using cotton swabs, bobby pins, or other objects in your ear canal can also push wax deeper, creating a blockage. Youre also more likely to have wax buildup if you frequently use in-the-ear earphones.
What color is healthy ear wax?
Ear wax ranges in color from yellow to very dark brown.
What does hydrogen peroxide do to earwax?
Hydrogen peroxide can help to soften and remove ear wax.
What happens if earwax is not removed?
If ear wax is not removed and becomes impacted, it will affect your ability to hear.
What is the best ear wax removal system?
There are several different at home products to remove ear wax. At Hearing Doctors of New Jersey, we recommend using Tech-Care Ear Wax Removal Kit
What kind of doctor can clean ears?
A medical professional who is licensed in your state, and it is deemed within their scope of practice, can clean someones ears.
Whats the safest way to clean your ears?
The safest way to clean your ears is to seek the help of a medical professional.
Why do I have so much ear wax all of a sudden?
If you have a lot of ear wax suddenly, you should seek medical attention.