Learn about Earwax Removal and Micro-suction
Learn about Earwax Removal and Micro-suction
We frequently find that we answer identical queries from patient to patient when treating earwax deposits. However, it’s normal to have questions and concerns about something you’ve never done before, especially regarding your hearing and health.
We’ve ordered this essay question by question to make it as easy to read as possible. Please let us know if you believe we have not answered a question adequately.
What Exactly Is Earwax?
It’s important to remember that earwax is a vital part of the ear’s function.
It is one of the numerous natural defense mechanisms of the human body, and audiologists refer to it as cerumen. It is a sticky, oily fluid secreted by glands in the ear canal to protect the eardrum from dust, dirt, foreign things, and infections.
When it comes to earwax, there are two types: wet and dry. You may not realize it, but the distinction between the two types is genetic.
Fact: Earwax has both a dominant and recessive gene. The dominant gene causes wet earwax, while the recessive gene causes dry earwax. People from East Asia or of East Asian descent, for example, are considerably more likely to have dry earwax.
Why Does Earwax Build Up?
Earwax naturally travels toward the aperture of the ear and falls out on its own. Some people, however, produce too much earwax, which we refer to as excessive earwax.
We all need earwax to protect our ears, but we also know that excessive earwax may be aggravating, annoying, and even painful for individuals who suffer from it.
When patients come to us, we frequently discover that ineffective home cures such as ear candles and cotton swabs are the root cause of earwax buildup.
While it may appear to be the most outstanding solution, and we understand why individuals would want to do it themselves, you should never attempt to remove excessive earwax.
This will push the earwax deeper into the ear canal, resulting in a blockage requiring professional treatment.
Is Earwax Painful to Remove?
We have seen cases when much earwax has caused pain in our clinic. Thus the answer is yes.
One of the most common symptoms of excessive earwax is ear pain. Other indicators may include:
Hearing loss that occurs suddenly or temporarily
Tinnitus is a ringing noise in the ear.
Excessive earwax will continue to accumulate if an audiologist does not intervene. This can lead to various issues and infections, including as
Significant ear discomfort, which can be severe and sharp
Fluid oozing from the ear
Fever and sickness symptoms such as coughing and dizziness
Hearing loss, ear pain, and feverish symptoms do not always indicate earwax buildup. They can, of course, be linked to a wide range of illnesses and issues.
However, if you believe you are experiencing any of these symptoms, we strongly advise you to consult with a hearing healthcare specialist.
We don’t want anyone to take for granted their essential hearing.
Why Is My Earwax Such an Odd Color?
We can tell a lot from the color of your earwax, and we will evaluate it every time we do a microaspiration to ensure there are no further concerns we need to address for you.
As previously stated, the two most prevalent varieties are as follows:
Yellow-brown, wet in most cases
Usually dry, white-gray
However, you may detect a color difference. Here are some possible explanations for why this could be the case:
If your earwax is soft and yellowish, it is because it is being formed.
On the other hand, earwax that is firm and dark is frequently much older.
If the earwax is pale and flaky, it is probably older earwax that has migrated out of the ear.
If your earwax is bloody, you may have an ear canal injury.
Earwax that is flowing usually indicates that we are dealing with an infection.
If the earwax is black, there is a buildup or a foreign body in the ear canal.
What Is the Source of the Odor in My Earwax?
There is a good chance that the inner ear canal is infected somehow, but there is no reason to worry.
For an infection to thrive in the ear canal, the bacteria must be anaerobic, requiring no oxygen to survive and proliferate. Unfortunately, one of these bacteria’s traits is a unique stench. It can be rather uncomfortable when combined with earwax.
See your primary care physician if this odor is accompanied by dizziness or balance concerns so that they can direct you to a specialized hearing clinic.
How Can Earwax Be Removed Safely?
As previously stated, home cures do not solve the problem of excessive earwax. Micro-suction by a competent hearing care practitioner is a safe and dependable procedure.
What is the mechanism of micro-suction?
Micro-suction is a painless and safe way to remove unwanted earwax buildup. We adopt this procedure when clients come to us for aid and advice with earwax.
We can see within the ear canal in great detail with a video otoscope. This is a crucial first step because it allows us to examine your ear canal for infection, damage, or foreign objects before surgery.
We utilize a gentle micro-suction device to suck out the surplus mucus after determining the health of your ear. We may obtain a close look at any time by utilizing special magnifying glasses.
The earwax is in place by the micro-suction device, which pulls on the debris. Each piece is removed once until the ear canal is clear of excessive earwax.
Although micro-suction is painless and comfortable, the sensation can be startling initially, especially if the patient is having the treatment for the first time or if the excess is unusually large or challenging.
