The key to a healthy body is balance, and a good example of this is the ways and reasons why the protective substance ear wax needs to be removed via professional treatment.
For the most part, ear wax does a lot of work to protect your ears, people do not often notice it is there, and it is typically pushed out of the ear automatically.
However, there are some times when ear wax can cause problems, but to understand why, it is important to know what it is, what it does, and why the typical process can sometimes go wrong.
What Is Ear Wax For?
Ear wax is a sticky substance that can range in colour from orange to dark brown and in consistency from pliant to slightly harder and more clay-like. Exactly what consistency it has is defined somewhat by genetics, but the purpose of it is the same.
Whilst sometimes called cerumen, this technically only describes the waxy substance that binds it all together; ear wax is typically made up of dead cells, sebum (the natural oil produced by your skin), dirt and debris.
It has a lot of important functions in the ear, including keeping the ear canal lubricated, cleaning away dirt and contaminants that enter the ear, keeping water out and stopping the growth of fungal infections and bacteria, which could lead to painful conditions such as swimmer’s ear.
Do You Typically Need To Get Rid Of Ear Wax?
There are a lot of myths surrounding ear wax, in part because medical researchers are still figuring out new and fascinating aspects about it, but for the most part, if you are not having any medical issues as a result of it, you do not need to get rid of it.
It is not a sign of bad hygiene in the slightest, and being overzealous with trying to clean the ear canal can actually cause more harm than good.
Ear wax is typically pushed out of the ear gradually and automatically, with the natural movements of your jaw when you speak and eat keeping the process moving.
When Do You Need To Treat Ear Wax?
The natural process of ear wax removal means that most of the time you do not need to treat it unless it is causing you a problem, and there is a range of treatments available that can help to relieve pressure, reduce pain and restore hearing in the ear.
Most of the time, ear wax will not block the ear, but if too much builds up, it gets compacted thanks to a cotton bud, headphone or other implement pushing into the ear canal, or if too much water causes consistency issues with the ear wax and stops it from being pushed out normally.
There are over-the-counter ear drops that can help to soften ear wax and make the natural process of removing ear wax easier, and this is typically the first option a pharmacy will recommend if there is a blockage caused by ear wax.
However, since ear drops can only be used in limited quantities before they cause potential irritation, an alternative option that can often fix the issue quickly and painlessly is microsuction.
How Does Microsuction Work?
Microsuction is the preferred method for removing ear wax, as it is the safest and tends to be the most effective for the widest range of cases.
It works by using a tiny vacuum suction device to break apart, dislodge and suck in the ear wax, which helps to clear any blockages and can typically restore hearing.
It is pain-free and there is almost no discomfort aside from a few crackling or squeaking noises as the suction device works.
It can be used for almost every ear as it does not expose the ear to moisture, and the equipment allows a practitioner to clearly see inside the ear to manage the treatment.
It is typically undertaken with the help of ear drops to help soften the ear wax and make the process easier and more complete.
Are There Any Alternatives To Microsuction?
There are alternatives to microsuction that a doctor can attempt, but because of the effectiveness and safety of microsuction, they are seldom used.
Ear irrigation, sometimes erroneously called syringing, is where a saline mixture is carefully inserted into the ear in order to flush away ear wax and other debris causing a blockage. It is effective, but it cannot be used in cases where a person has a ruptured eardrum, infection or a history of surgery.
Alternatively, a doctor can remove ear wax manually using a dedicated instrument known as a curette.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common signs of excessive ear wax include reduced hearing, a feeling of blockage in the ear, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), dizziness, earache, or difficulty wearing hearing aids. A pharmacist or clinician can examine your ears and advise whether wax removal is needed.
Ear wax removal is usually quick and comfortable. Most people experience little or no discomfort during microsuction or irrigation procedures. You may notice a temporary sensation of pressure or noise during treatment, but significant pain is uncommon.
Yes. In most cases, olive oil ear drops are recommended for several days before your appointment to soften the wax and make removal easier. Your pharmacy or clinician will advise how long to use the drops based on your individual circumstances.