Wax Removal

Earwax buildup can cause hearing loss!

Believe it or not, earwax buildup is often the cause of hearing loss!

Earwax — officially called cerumen — is key to a healthy ear. It collects dirt, debris and bacteria, preventing unwanted foreign bodies from entering the ear. It also has lubrication properties to keep the ears from getting dry and itchy. Finally, it acts as an antifungal and antibacterial, helping to fight infections in and around our ears.
 
But while earwax typically works its way out of the ear naturally as you shower or bathe, sometimes it doesn’t, and can cause blockage, hearing impairment and more.
 
What you SHOULD NOT do:

• You should not ever clean your ears too much. Wax can actually build up from overcleaning your ears. Furthermore, it can cause your ear canal to suffer irritation and infection.
• You should not ever stick anything smaller than your elbow in your ear.
• You should not use cotton swabs, bobby pins, keys, paper clips or anything small or similar to scratch, touch or clean your ears. These items can cause harm to the ear canal, like a scratch, cut or possibly a punctured eardrum. A punctured eardrum has the ability to lead to a number of other serious issues.
• You should not use ear candles. According to studies, ear candling doesn’t really reduce the amount of wax in a person’s ear canal. More importantly, ear candling your eardrum and ear canal can be damaged from candling.

What you SHOULD do:

• You should keep in mind that earwax is a natural substance common to everyone. Unless it affects your hearing or blocks your ear canal it can be left as is.
• You should be familiar with the symptoms of earwax buildup: Symptoms include ringing in the ears, decreased hearing, ear fullness, as well as changes in hearing aid functionality: distortion, etc.
• You should seek the help of medical professionals if you notice a change in your hearing, ringing, or a feeling of fullness in your ears with or without pain in the ear. Additional conditions, like ear infections, can exhibit symptoms such as earwax build-up Seek medical attention if you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms, so you can rule out any serious conditions.
• You should consult a medical professional before you implement ANY at-home remedies to remove earwax. Some medical conditions can clash with home remedies and make them unsafe.
   
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