Earwax is not, in and of itself, a problem for most patients. Everyone has it. It can be wet, or even oily, or it can be flaky and dry. Different people also produce earwax in different quantities and even colors, and that’s generally a good thing. It protects the ear canal from drying out and stops bacteria, dust, and debris from entering. However, if earwax becomes too built up in the ear canal it can become impacted, causing all kinds of problems.
Signs of earwax blockage are fairly straightforward, but they can also be attributed to more serious problems. These symptoms include a feeling of pressure in the ear, the sudden or gradual development of tinnitus, earaches, and hearing loss. Since earwax buildup is only sometimes to blame for these often debilitating symptoms it’s best to schedule an appointment for an ear cleaning in Moore OK with a professional ENT or other specialist rather than attempt over-the-counter treatment at home.
It’s never a good idea to try to clean out a blockage using cotton swabs. Unfortunately a great many patients do not realize that they are doing far more harm than good by using Q-Tips for this purpose. Earwax is only produced by the outer portion of a patient’s ear canal, and using cotton swabs can easily push it further in toward the ear drum. It’s important to recognize that the ear drum is a sensitive membrane. Keep this in mind when evaluating products that use pressure, suction, and especially any kind of candle. These products are not just ineffective, they are also dangerous.
Medical treatment for earwax buildup or impaction is fairly straightforward, but it requires expertise and specialized equipment. Typically a doctor or other medical professional will simply flush the excess wax out gently with water, or remove it manually using a curette. There is a certain amount of finesse required of these procedures, as applying too much pressure could easily rupture a patient’s ear drum. As a result it’s best not to attempt them at home. Need a professional ear cleaning in Moore OK? Contact Pro Hearing LLC to schedule an appointment today.
