Excessive ear wax might not seem like a problem, but it can have a big impact on your health and well-being if you don’t remove it. While ear wax has a protective function, a build-up in your ear canal can lead to a range of problems, from hearing loss to infections. If you think you have a build-up of ear wax and you’re wondering how to clean your ears safely, keep reading. Below we have explored the removal of ear wax in more detail and why it’s important.
At The Hearing Hub, we specialise in ear wax removal in the Chertsey area. At our Woking clinic, we provide a range of ear wax removal services, including microsuction, instrumentation and ear irrigation also known as ear syringing. You can book an appointment with our audiologists if you think you may be experiencing problems caused by excessive ear wax and more often than not, patients notice an immediate difference following removal services.
Function of Earwax
Earwax is a natural substance produced by the ear. It helps to protect the sensitive ear canal from water, dirt and other irritants. However, too much ear wax can become problematic, leading to blockages and ear cleaning is important for maintaining good ear health. It’s important to note that you should never use cotton buds to clean your ears as they can push the build-up of wax further into your ear canal, causing more problems.
Symptoms of Excessive Earwax
When you have excessive ear wax building up in your ear, you may notice a variety of symptoms. People often experience;
- Muffled hearing or hearing loss
- Discomfort or earache
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Tinnitus
- Ear infections
Risks of Ignoring Excessive Earwax
Ignoring these symptoms and letting stubborn wax build up in your ears can lead to complications that affect both your daily life and general health. It’s important to book an appointment with an audiologist for ear wax removal services.
Hearing Impairment
One of the most immediate risks is hearing loss. When earwax builds up, it can block the ear canal, making it difficult for sound waves to reach the eardrum. This blockage can cause temporary hearing loss, which can have repercussions for your overall quality of life.
Ear Infections
Excessive earwax can trap bacteria in the ear canal, leading to painful infections. Symptoms can include pain, itching and discharge, and simple ear drops might not make a difference. You may require antibiotics to treat severe ear infections.
Tinnitus
Ignoring excessive earwax can exacerbate conditions like tinnitus, adding to the discomfort and distraction that this condition causes. You may need a bespoke management plan to treat your tinnitus, including tinnitus retraining therapy, mindfulness-based interventions or hearing aids.
Impact on Diagnostics
An excessive build-up of ear wax can also interfere with any examinations and hearing tests you have, leading to inaccurate results. This can delay or complicate the diagnosis and treatment of different hearing conditions.
Managing Excessive Ear Wax
Methods like microsuction, ear syringing and instrumentation are commonly used to remove excessive ear wax. An audiologist will examine your ears and recommend the most appropriate treatment to remove the ear wax. Maintaining good ear hygiene can help prevent excessive earwax build-up moving forward too. Simply cleaning the outer ear with warm water and a soft cloth can help to prevent excess wax from building up.
Getting Ear Wax Removal in Woking
While earwax is a natural and beneficial substance, excessive build-up can lead to a host of problems. Therefore, if you experience symptoms of excessive ear wax, it’s crucial to book an appointment with an audiologist. By taking proactive steps to manage ear wax build-up, you can mitigate its risks and enjoy improved ear health.
To book an appointment for ear wax removal near Chertsey, contact our Woking clinic today on 0330 111 9992. Alternatively, you can book an appointment directly via The Hearing Hub website. You can turn to us in confidence knowing that our audiologists specialise in ear wax removal services and will tailor the appointment to your unique needs.
We charge £75 for the removal of excessive wax both ears and our competitive prices make it easier for you to keep your ears healthy.