Lots of people will experience problems with their ears, from young children to elderly adults. It isn’t uncommon for these problems to be caused by a build-up of ear wax and booking an appointment with an audiologist can be incredibly effective. While ear wax is a natural substance designed to protect the ear, it can cause problems when it accumulates excessively.
If you live in the Southcote area, our team at The Hearing Hub is here to help. We provide ear wax removal at our Reading clinic and we can help you manage common ear wax issues, whether you need regular appointments or a one-off to clear your ear canals. In this post, we have explored how to deal with common ear wax issues, touching on the best treatments available to keep your ears healthy.
Causes of Ear Wax Build-up
Ear wax is beneficial for maintaining ear health. It acts as a self-cleaning substance that protects the delicate inner ear from water, dirt and bacteria. However, problems can arise when there is an overproduction of ear wax, which can lead to blockages in the ear canal. Common symptoms of excessive ear wax include a feeling of fullness, discomfort, itchiness, dizziness and hearing loss. Noticing these symptoms early is key to knowing when to book ear wax removal and preventing more severe complications.
Safe Removal at Home
For some ear wax issues, you might be able to safely remove wax at home. Over-the-counter ear drops are designed to soften, loosen and break up the ear wax, helping it to naturally move out of the ear. You can also use a warm washcloth to gently clean the outer ear and remove any wax that has made its way out of the ear canal. It’s important to avoid using cotton buds or inserting any objects into the ear canal though, as this can push the wax deeper into the ear, leading to impaction and making the problem worse.
Professional Ear Wax Removal
When over-the-counter solutions aren’t working or the ear wax has caused a blockage, it’s beneficial to seek professional help. At The Hearing Hub, we offer several effective methods for ear wax removal in Reading;
- Microsuction – This is a safe method that uses gentle suction to remove ear wax, recommended by Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists. Microsuction is highly effective and usually pain-free, making it the preferred choice for many patients with ear wax issues. Additionally, microsuction is a quick solution and appointments typically only last between 10-30 minutes and since it doesn’t involve any liquids, it’s suitable for people with a history of ear infections.
- Ear Syringing – Also known as ear irrigation, ear syringing uses a gentle pumping of water to flush out ear wax. It’s a traditional method that’s still widely used by audiologists to clear the ear canal. This method is particularly effective for those people who produce a softer type of wax that can easily be dislodged with water, providing a gentle alternative to more invasive procedures.
- Instrumentation – For more impacted ear wax removal, instrumentation uses a Jobson Horne probe or forceps to safely remove any ear wax. Trained audiologists will perform the procedure slowly and carefully, ensuring it doesn’t cause any discomfort. This method provides direct removal of wax and other foreign objects, particularly in complex cases where accuracy is essential to avoid damage to the ear canal.
Preventing Future Build-up
Booking regular appointments with an audiologist can help to prevent future problems with ear wax build-up. At The Hearing Hub, we see some patients every 3 to 6 months to monitor the health of their ears and address any potential build-ups of wax before they become problematic. You can ensure you’re taking good care of your ears and staying on top of excessive ear wax can reduce the risk of problems associated with removal procedures.
Choose The Hearing Hub for Ear Wax Removal in Reading
If you’re experiencing symptoms of ear wax build-up, booking an appointment with an audiologist is often the best option to clear your ears. At The Hearing Hub, we pride ourselves on providing the best services for ear wax removal in Reading and we can help you deal with common ear wax issues. Our team of audiologists will tailor the ear wax removal service to meet your needs and provide you with the relief you need. Dealing with ear wax problems doesn’t have to be a struggle. With the right approach and professional support, you can improve your ear health for years to come.