Ear Cleaning Methods
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 or urgent care providerrs 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:
Manual Removal with Curettes
One way that is used by Dr. Srour either at a patient's home or at a local office, is the use of ear curettes. An ear curette is a safe way to remove cerumen from the ear canal. They are small spoons/loops that are attached to a light that gently removes foreign particles or built-up wax.
EarWay Pro is another tool utilized by Dr. Srour to remove excessive cerumen. This is a tool that comes in different sizes to best fit your ear canals. It features a helix shape that is designed specifically to pull the wax out with a gentle twist.
Irrigation
Room-temperature water can also be injected into the ears to remove buildup. The warm water is used to soften the earwax and flush out any blockages.
Microsuction
Microsuction is another effective technique for removing earwax. Microsuction can also be referred to as ear vacuuming and this is a common removal process. There is a thin nozzle that fits in your ear, powered by a suction machine that then dislodges and removes wax. This procedure often only lasts a few minutes and is faster than irrigation. A patient may feel slight suction, or hear crackling or squeaking while the machine is working.
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.
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Your Home Audiologist
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(347) 695-6309
EarSpa New Jersey
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17 Clinton Ave
Eatontown, NJ 07724
(347) 695-6309
EarSpa New York
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1724 East 24th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11229
(347) 695-6309