Professional Ear Cleaning: Near Me or At Home

Symptoms of Excessive Earwax

The buildup of earwax is extremely common. In the United States, it is estimated that over 150,000 removals are performed every week. It is important to detect early signs of buildup. While there are many signs, some common signs can include:

• Trouble hearing conversations

• Sudden Hearing loss or partial hearing loss

• Experience pain in ears

• Dark earwax

A hearing test can help determine the root cause of hearing loss, whether it is from ear wax buildup or from a different cause like loud noises. If cleaning does not help restore sounds, hearing devices may be needed. If you are experiencing signs of hearing loss, such as needing a louder tv volume, not being able to hear a soft voice, or being unable to understand conversations with a noisy background, it is best to have a hearing test scheduled.

3 Main Methods of Wax Removal

Dr. Srour typically uses one of three different methods to help blocked ears. For the vast majority of people, this blockage is a buildup up of dead skin cells and excess wax, and can cause hearing loss issues. Many general doctors are not as gentle at removing ear wax and their process could cause some pain. At EarSpa and Your Home Audiologist, Dr. Srour works with you during the cleaning to ensure you are comfortable and there is no severe pain. The main methods of ear wax removal used by Dr. Srour include:

Unrecommended Methods For Removing Ear Wax

While we all want to prevent earwax buildup it is important to note that there are a few ways of cleaning ears that are not recommended by Dr. Srour for home earwax removal.

Avoid Using Q-Tips

Nothing smaller than your elbow should ever be placed in your ear. Cotton swabs can push the ear wax deeper into your ear canal, cause physical damage, puncture a hole in the eardrum, or cause an ear infection. Cotton swabs can also damage the sensitive structures behind the ear canal that can lead to deafness, vertigo nausea, and in extreme cases loss of taste or facial paralysis.

Do Not Try Ear Candling

This is an ineffective and dangerous way to try to remove ear wax. It does not pull wax from the ear and it can cause serious burns or damage to the ear, and/or lead to a punctured eardrum and/or ear infection. The flame or melted wax can also lead to burns. If the candle wax drips into your ear canal, it can also cause clogs and make you lose hearing for a period of time. It is not recommended to try ear candling.

 Frequently Asked Questions About Ear Wax Removal

As a hearing professional, Dr. Srour answers common questions about cleaning and earwax removal. If you have other questions about ear wax removal, contact EarSpa or Your Home Audiologist today to speak with Dr. Srour.

How Much Do Ear Cleanings Cost?

Ear cleanings are typically not covered by insurance, meaning this is an out-of-pocket expense. Contact Dr. Srour for more information on pricing.

How Do You Deep Clean Your Ears?

Ear cleaning should be done by a professional to avoid hurting your eardrums and to avoid ear wax buildup being pushed further into the ear canal. While it is a bad idea to personally remove earwax at home, if you choose to clean your ears without a professional, it is best to soften the wax first by using baby oil, ear drops, or hydrogen peroxide in the ear canals.

After the wax has been softened, a rubber-bulb syringe can be used with warm water, squeezed gently into your ear canal. Gently dry your ear with a soft towel. By doing this at home, it may take more than one time to fully clear any buildup. Wax removal is most safely done by a doctor, and Dr. Srour offers home visits for patients allowing for maximum comfortability and saving you time.

If any symptoms do not improve, call your doctor or schedule an appointment with Dr. Srour to investigate your hearing health.

Is It Good To Get Your Ears Professionally Cleaned?

Yes, a professional cleaning can help relieve excessive wax buildup. While your ears do have a self-cleaning mechanism, sometimes a more precise technique is required to remove the excess wax. This buildup can lead to ear infections or hearing loss. Problem hearing may then lead to the need of hearing aids.

Can Hearing Aids Cause Buildup?

Yes, because hearing aids sit within the ear canals, they can cause a buildup of wax. This in-ear piece blocks the natural exit path of wax.

How Do Doctors Remove Earwax?

There are a few different ways that a doctor can remove excessive earwax. This can include using ear curettes or ear ways pro instruments, irrigation with room-temperature water in the ears, or micro-suction with a powered suction machine. Dr. Srour will take a look at your ear health and determine the best route of removal while being gentle on your ears.

What Can Cause Ear Wax Buildup?

Some people are more naturally prone to wax buildup due to their body producing more wax than needed, but this doesn't cause blockages. Another factor that can lead to a buildup is the use of in-hear headphones and hearing aids. Hearing aids, hearing devices, or headphones can block the canal and the natural exit of eax.

The most common cause of buildup is the attempt to remove ear wax at home. Cotton swabs typically push the wax deeper into the canal and can also damage the ear.

Contact EarSpa For Professional Ear Wax Removal

EarSpa and Your Home Audiologist provide ear cleaning services by Dr. Srour. She will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms and examine your ear. Dr. Srour will then safely remove any ear wax buildup you may have, occasionally this does take a second visit depending on the severity of the buildup. Contact EarSpa or Your Home Audiologist today for a consultation or to schedule an appointment. Hearing loss can be treated and you have many options depending on the level of severity.