Think You Might Have Earwax Buildup? Here's What You Need to Know

How Does Earwax Buildup Occur?

The ear canal glands secrete cerumen (earwax), a wax-like natural substance, as a protective barrier. Earwax plays a very important role in maintaining ear health. It helps by cleaning the ear and protecting the inner ear organs from external elements, such as dust and dirt.

Despite many benefits, it can become problematic if earwax accumulates in the ear canal. This eventually leads to earwax blockage, also called cerumen impaction. A blockage in the ear can lead to many ear health-related problems.

dizziness
difficulty in hearing
earache
itchiness
painful ear infection
tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Cough
Feeling of fullness in the ears

What are the Causes of Earwax Buildup?

The ear canal glands lead to the formation of earwax. The earwax and tiny ear hair help trap the dust and dirt that enter the ear canal. It helps by preventing the entry of external elements into the deeper part of an ear, especially the eardrum.

Every day, a small amount of earwax makes its way to the ear opening. From here, the wax either falls off or gets washed away as new earwax replaces it. Earwax can accumulate and obstruct your ear canal if your ears produce too much of it or if it isn’t sufficiently removed.

People often attempt to remove the deeply impacted earwax using cotton earbuds or other objects. This can be harmful and push the earwax deep into the ear canal. A few different reasons for earwax buildup are:

Individuals with narrow and irregularly shaped ear canals often face problems with natural earwax removal.
Excessive hair growth in the ear canal can trap a lot of earwax.
Older adults often produce harder and drier earwax, which is more likely to cause blockage.
Frequent usage of earplugs and hearing aids can prevent the natural removal of earwax.

Methods of Safe Earwax Removal

Removal of earwax safely without any inconvenience and discomfort always requires the expertise of a trained professional. The pharmacists at Puri Pharmacy are very well-trained and have dealt with many patients for earwax removal in Southall. Below are the proven and expert-approved methods that you should know of:

1. Ear Syringing

Ear syringing, also known as ear irrigation, is a procedure wherein earwax is removed with saline or sterile water. The water is flushed inside the ear canal for immediate removal of the buildup. Make sure to always put in a few olive oil drops a few days before to soften the wax.

2. Microsuction Earwax Removal

The most frequent manual method of earwax removal that doctors utilise is microsuction, often known as ear vacuuming. The doctor uses a long, thin nozzle that inserts into your ear to suck out the wax safely.

Microsuction does not put your ear canal at risk of moisture and water exposure.
The procedure is quicker and faster.
It is an ideal treatment method for patients with current ear infections, as it completely removes the ear debris and allows better penetration of ear drops.

3. Curettage

Ear curettage is scooping out earwax with a tiny, spoon-shaped curette tool. Here’s why it’s advantageous:

The curette helps a skilled pharmacist remove the wax, guaranteeing a careful and safe procedure.
Like microsuction, curettage is a dry technique that eliminates the dangers of water irrigation.

When Should You Seek Assistance from Experts for Earwax Removal?

If you experience related symptoms like earache, tinnitus, or dizziness, you must book an appointment for earwax removal. Professional help is necessary if you feel any ear discomfort. Avoid trying DIY methods, as these can aggravate the condition.

Puri Pharmacy is here in Southall to help the local community safely remove earwax using the methods listed above. Our trained professionals ensure you have a comfortable and smoother experience at our pharmacy. With decades of community service, we are your one-stop choice for all your common health issues.