Protect Your Hearing with Expert Earwax Removal Services
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Earwax (cerumen) plays an important role in protecting your ears. This natural secretion traps dust, bacteria, and other harmful particles, preventing them from reaching the inner ear. Additionally, it keeps the ear canal moisturised and prevents dryness. Normally, earwax migrates out of the ear canal through natural movements like chewing or talking.
However, when this self-cleaning mechanism fails, earwax can accumulate, leading to discomfort and even severe complications if left unaddressed. Here is why regular earwax removal is essential and how professional care can make a difference.
Why Earwax Buildup Happens
Although earwax is typically expelled naturally through jaw movements, certain factors can disrupt this process, leading to wax buildup:
- Excessive Production : Some individuals naturally produce more earwax due to genetic factors.
- Narrow Ear Canals : Anatomical variations can make it harder for wax to exit the ear.
- Use of Earbuds or Hearing Aids : Frequent use can push wax deeper into the canal, causing blockages.
- Improper Cleaning Habits : Using cotton swabs or other tools often compacts wax rather than removing it.
- Age-Related Changes : Earwax becomes drier and harder to expel as we age.
- Skin Conditions : Issues like eczema or psoriasis can cause excessive dead skin build up in the ears.
Problems Caused by Excessive Earwax
When earwax builds up and is not removed regularly, it can lead to a variety of issues:
- Hearing Loss : Fully-occluding and compacted earwax can block sound from reaching the eardrum, temporarily reducing hearing ability until removed.
- Earaches : Accumulated wax can press against the eardrum and the deep, sensitive portion of the ear canal, causing pain and discomfort.
- Tinnitus : Impacted wax can lead to ringing or buzzing noises in the ear.
- Infections : Trapped moisture and wax can create an ideal environment for bacterial growth, resulting in painful outer ear infections.
- Dizziness : In severe cases, wax buildup can affect balance, causing dizziness or vertigo.
- Odour and Discharge : A foul smell or fluid discharge may indicate impacted wax or an associated infection.
Why Professional Help is Necessary
Attempting earwax removal on your own can worsen the problem. Using cotton swabs or other objects often pushes wax deeper into the canal, leading to impaction. That’s where professional earwax removal services come in.
At Helix Hearing, we specialise in safe and effective earwax removal methods tailored to your needs.
Our Professional Earwax Removal Techniques
- Microsuction : A gentle, precise method where a small vacuum device removes earwax under microscope guidance.
- Curettage : Manual earwax removal using a variety of small instruments under microscope guidance.
- Ear Drops : Softening drops may be administered to loosen stubborn wax before removal.
Benefits of Regular Earwax Management
Routine professional ear care offers numerous advantages:
- Improved Hearing : Clear ear canals allow sound to travel unobstructed and prevent water from getting stuck behind wax blockages.
- Enhanced Comfort : Removal of blockages reduces discomfort and itching.
- Infection Prevention : Professional cleaning minimises the risk of bacterial and fungal infections.
- Safe and Effective Care : Avoid the risks associated with DIY methods.
Tips for Maintaining Ear Health
- Avoid inserting objects like cotton swabs, hair pins, car keys, fingernails, etc into your ears.
- Keep your ears dry to prevent infections.
- Use earplugs or protective gear in noisy or dusty environments.
- Schedule regular ear checkups, especially if you use hearing aids or earphones frequently.
Importance of Regular Ear Care
Regular ear care is crucial for maintaining optimal ear health and preventing complications. Ignoring earwax buildup can lead to severe discomfort, infections, and temporary hearing loss. Professional earwax removal is a safe, effective solution to prevent and address these issues. At Helix Hearing, our Audiology Australia qualified audiologists are trained to safely and effectively manage cerumen removal. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms like hearing loss, earaches, or infections, or simply seeking preventive care, our experts are here to help.Contact us today at Helix Hearing to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward better hearing and comfort.