X

Dr. Gloria Mendizabal-Piedra MD

(305) 823-2433

3986 W. 16 Avenue | Hialeah, FL 33012

How to Tell It’s Time for Ear Wax Removal

ear wax removal

Did you know that earwax is actually healthy? It plays a pivotal role in keeping us in good health. However, having too much of it could become a problem that requires removal by a medical professional. Ear wax is not typically a topic of discussion among friends and family. We do most of our personal ear wax removal in the bathroom before or after a shower. But, have you ever wondered doctors remove ear wax? Let’s explore this topic a little more in-depth.

Earwax Can Get Stuck

Believe it or not, earwax can wind up getting stuck and blocking a large portion of the ear canal. The cerumen is supposed to naturally exit the ear. When it gets stuck, it can wind up hardening and causing a blockage in the ear. This can lead to difficulties with hearing and even ear pain. This is one of the biggest reasons why people go to the doctor to have their ears examined. One in 20 adults and one in 10 children suffer from this problem across the country.

Earwax Problems Often Caused by Cotton Swabs

Most of the time, earwax problems are caused by the patients themselves. People who like to use cotton swabs every day for natural earwax removal are actually making the situation worse. This does help remove some of the wax, but the rest of it winds up getting pushed back into the ear canal where it cannot be reached. You also risk scratching your ear canal lining or puncturing your eardrum. 

Signs of Excessive Earwax Accumulation

Here are signs of excessive earwax accumulation that can be caused by your personal earwax removal:

  • Itchiness
  • Dizziness
  • Ear pain
  • Drainage
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Feeling like you are wearing earplugs
  • Sensation that your ear is full

What is Professional Earwax Removal?

There is good news when it comes to having too much earwax stuck in your ear canal: it can be removed professionally by a doctor. There are two options for professional earwax removal: irrigation and manual removal.

Irrigation removal is when the doctor will inject water into the ear canal in the hopes of breaking up the blockage of earwax to the point where it easily exits the ear. Thrusting water into the ear canal can be very uncomfortable. The manual method is when the doctor uses either forceps or a suction device to pull the earwax out of the ear canal. Depending on the shape of your ear and the level of impaction, this could also be a very uncomfortable procedure.

The removal of earwax is safest when it is performed by a trained doctor. You should never try any of these methods for removal at home. You could wind up further impacting your ears and even cause damage that leads to hearing problems.

Schedule Earwax Removal Today

Have you experienced any of the impaction symptoms listed above? If so, it’s time to schedule an appointment for earwax removal with a doctor. Call the team from GMP Medical in Hialeah, Florida at (305) 823-2433 to schedule your appointment today.

June 13, 2019 7:27 pm
Categories: Family Health