Earwax, or cerumen, is naturally made by glands in your ears to keep the ear canals lubricated and to help block dust and debris from reaching deeper inside. Earwax is essential to keep your ears healthy!
Earwax usually moves out of the ear on its own through chewing and jaw movements, but sometimes it can build up and cause a blockage, especially if you wear earmolds or hearing aids. Although ear wax is a good thing, excessive ear wax can cause problems by building up and blocking the ear canal. Our team is “hear” to help. Yost Hearing can safely and effectively remove your earwax! The team will also make sure that earwax is not interfering with your hearing aids.
Symptoms of Earwax (Cerumen) Build-Up
- Earache
- Tinnitus (ringing of the ears)
- Decreased hearing
- Feeling of ear fullness
- Hearing aid feedback or whistling
If a blockage occurs, it may need to be removed. This can be done at home or at Yost Hearing, depending on the size and severity of the blockage.
What Causes Ear Wax Build-Up?
- Incorrect or Excessive Cleaning
Using cotton swabs or other objects in the ear causes irritation and can scratch the sensitive skin in your ear. This can cause your ear to produce even more wax. Additionally, you are pushing wax and dirt into your ear further which can damage your eardrum.
- Environmental Contributors
Tiny particles like pollen, dust, and debris irritate your ears and stimulate earwax production.
- Hearing Aids, Ear Plugs, & Earbuds
These objects contact and rub your ears and are considered contact stimulus. Your ears try to protect themselves by producing more earwax.
At-home Earwax Removal
In most cases, earwax does not need to be bothered. Leaving it alone is good advice. Your ears will naturally clean themselves. The ear wax will naturally migrate from inside the ear canal to the opening of the ear canal.
In some instances, a physician may send patients home with an at-home earwax removal kit. Earwax removal kits can also be purchased over the counter in most drug stores.
These kits generally consist of a liquid that softens earwax and a small rubber bulb syringe. You will be given directions on how much and how often to apply the liquid to your ear canals, allowing it to sit in your ears for a short amount of time to soften up the earwax. Bubbling and fizzing sensations in your ears are normal with use. You will then use the bulb syringe to gently flush your ears with warm (not hot) water to remove the earwax.
Clearing earwax blockages can take several days to fully resolve. Using earwax removal kits may carry risks for some people, especially those with certain ear conditions. Patients should not try these drops if they have ever experienced holes in the eardrum, pain, or drainage from the ear. Before attempting at-home earwax removal, it is advised to speak with your hearing care provider to be sure it is safe for you.
Removal at Yost Hearing with the Earigator™
If the earwax blockage is more significant, it may need to be removed at Yost Hearing.
Irrigation is the most common method your hearing specialist will use to remove blockages. The Earigator™ Cerumen Management System was designed by an otologist to be a safe and highly effective earwax removal method. The irrigation system carefully controls the water flow and temperature, while allowing the professional to see into your ear for effective and comfortable removal of excess wax. Patients appreciate the convenience of this fast, in-clinic, wax removal procedure.
Earwax Removal Methods to Avoid
Many people use cotton swabs to remove earwax or clear a blockage, but this can actually make things worse. Swabs often push the wax deeper into the ear canal, which can lead to more serious problems or damage. Cotton swabs themselves can also be accidentally inserted too far into the ear canal and can compact wax further or even puncture your eardrum.
Hearing professionals generally agree that cotton swabs are a bad idea for removing earwax and should only be used to clean the outer portions of your ear. You should never insert cotton swabs or any small object into your ear canal.
If you experience pain or discomfort as a result of earwax or suspect you have a blockage, it’s important that you see your hearing professionals as soon as possible to address the issue. Removing earwax doesn’t have to be uncomfortable and should bring you relief.
Last but not least, Ear candling is not safe at all. Yost Hearing discourages anyone from trying this method. Research has determined that ear candling does not work. It can lead to injuries such as burns, eardrum perforation, and ear canal obstructions.