How Do You Safely Remove Earwax Buildup?
Your ear canal produces cerumen, also known as earwax. This wax safeguards the ear against foreign particles, dust, and small organisms. Additionally, it prevents ear canal skin irritation caused by water. Most of the time, extra wax moves from the ear canal to the opening of the ear and is then washed away. Continue reading to learn how to remove earwax safely in Bebington.
What is earwax build-up?
When glands produce excessive earwax, it may harden and block the ear canal. When cleaning your ears, you may accidentally push earwax deeper into the canal, resulting in a blockage. Wax accumulation is a frequent cause of temporary hearing loss.
When treating earwax buildup at home, you should proceed with extreme caution. If the problem persists, consult your pharmacist or doctor. Treatment is typically quick and painless, and full hearing restoration is possible.
What causes earwax build-up?
Some individuals are prone to excessive earwax production. However, excess wax does not necessarily cause obstruction. In fact, home removal is the most common cause of earwax blockage. Using bobby pins, cotton swabs, or other objects in the ear canal can also push wax further into the canal, resulting in a blockage.
What are the symptoms of earwax buildup?
Symptoms of earwax buildup consist of:
– Hearing impairment
– Feeling a blockage in your ears
– Ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)
– Vertigo (feeling sick and dizzy)
Untreated earwax buildup can cause infection. Consult your pharmacist if you experience the following signs of infection:
– Fever
– Coughing
– Chronic hearing loss
– An odour from your ear
– Dizziness
– Extreme pain in the ear
– An earache that does not subside
– Drainage from the ear canal
It is important to note that hearing loss, vertigo, and earaches can also result from a variety of other conditions. Talk with your pharmacist if any of these symptoms occur frequently. A thorough medical examination can help figure out if the problem is caused by too much earwax or by something else.
How to remove earwax safely in Bebington
You should never attempt to manually remove earwax buildup. This can cause significant ear damage and result in infections or hearing loss.
However, you can frequently remove excess earwax on your own. If necessary, use cotton swabs to clean the outer portion of your ears and not the inside part.
How do you soften earwax to remove it safely in Bebington?
To soften earwax, you can buy over-the-counter drops formulated for this specific purpose. Additionally, the following substances may be used:
– Mineral oil
– Hydrogen peroxide drops
– Carbamide peroxide
– Baby oil
– Glycerin
Ear canal irrigation to remove earwax safely in Bebington
Ear irrigation is another method for removing earwax buildup. If you have an ear injury or have had a medical procedure on your ear, you shouldn’t ever irrigate your ear. Irrigation of a ruptured eardrum may result in deafness or infection.
Never use products designed to irrigate the mouth or teeth. They generate more force than the eardrum can safely withstand.
Follow the instructions included with an over-the-counter ear irrigation kit, or follow these steps:
– Keep your head in an upright position while standing or sitting
– Hold the exterior of your ear and gently pull it upward
– Send a stream of water at body temperature into your ear using a syringe. Too-cold or too-warm water can cause dizziness
– Allow the water to drain by tilting your head backwards
It may be necessary to perform this action multiple times. If you frequently experience earwax buildup, regular ear irrigation may prevent the condition.
How can I treat a buildup of earwax?
Typically, earwax falls out on its own. If it does not and your ear is blocked, place two to three drops of olive or almond oil of medical grade in your ear three to four times per day. Do so for three to five days.
It is suggested that you use a dropper and lay your head on one side for a few minutes to allow the oil to enter your ear canal(s).
You may find it easier to complete this task first thing in the morning and then right before bed. Over the course of two weeks, earwax should fall out, especially at night when you are lying down.
No evidence suggests that ear candles or ear vacuums remove earwax. Learn more on how to remove excess earwax in our previous blog post here:
How can a pharmacist help remove earwax safely in Bebington?
Consult a pharmacist regarding earwax buildup. They can provide advice and treatment recommendations.
They may recommend earwax-dissolving medications. After about a week, the earwax should either fall out on its own or dissolve. Do not use drops if your eardrum is perforated.
A pharmacist can also help with a procedure called ear microsuction. This is a safe method to help remove earwax buildup in the ear canal.
Contact The Pharmacy Bebington today to book your appointment.
This blog post was written on behalf of The Pharmacy Bebington by Pharmacy Mentor.