Cerumen, or earwax, is healthy in normal amounts because it prevents dust
and other particles from reaching the eardrum. Most of the time, the ear
canals dispose of wax on their own with chewing and jaw motions that push
old wax from the ear canal to the opening where it dries and falls out.
When wax blockage is found inside the eardrum, it’s frequently caused
by probing the ear with cotton-tipped applicators that push the wax in
deeper rather than removing it.
When should I consider cleaning my ears?
Under ideal circumstances, patients have no need for a professional ear
cleaning. However, that’s not always the case. A condition called
cerumen impaction can occur if enough wax accumulates in the ear to affect
a patient’s quality of life. Consider scheduling an appointment
with your Ogden Clinic ENT specialist if you experience any of the following
ear problems:
Persistent earache or a plugged ear sensation
Itching, odor, or discharge from the ear
Partial hearing loss
Ringing in one or both ears (tinnitus)
Ear wax removal is a delicate procedure that should only be performed by
a trained professional. Our audiologists may first prescribe eardrops
designed to soften the wax. They also perform manual ear cleanings for
patients with excessive cerumen impaction.
How does an Ogden Clinic ENT expert remove excess ear wax?
With the help of a microscope, Ogden Clinic providers manually clean the
ear(s) with specialized instruments such as an otoloop. The otoloop is
positioned along the ear canal and earwax is gently rolled out. Your specialist
may also use forceps to extract ear wax or a specialized suction mechanism
when needed.
Select providers are now using Telemedicine.
Visit
Telemedicine to see if your next visit can take place over video chat.
