Ear Wax Removal in Littleton, CO

Earwax is a natural substance produced by glands in the ear canal to protect, clean, and lubricate the ear. While earwax is needed to maintain the health and natural pH of the ears, excessive buildup can lead to itchiness, discomfort, pain, ringing in the ears, hearing loss, and even infection.

In cases of excessive or impacted earwax, professional earwax removal may be necessary. Earwax removal is best done with the help of an audiologist or hearing healthcare professional using special tools and equipment.

How Do You Know If You Have Ear Wax?

There are a few signs that could indicate the presence of ear wax in your ear. The most common symptom is a feeling of blockage or pressure in the ear. You may also experience ringing in the ears or a decrease in hearing, especially if the earwax is obstructing the ear canal.

If you suspect that you might have an overproduction of earwax, you can try looking into your ear using a mirror. If the ear wax is visible, it may appear brown, yellow, or even blackish in color.

It is worth noting that attempting to remove ear wax using Q-tips or other sharp, tiny objects can push the earwax deeper into the ear canal and lead to more problems or complications.

How Do You Clean Your Ears?

Cleaning the ears is an important part of overall hygiene and preventing ear infections. However, it is necessary to clean your ears properly and carefully to avoid damaging the fragile skin and structures of the ear.

Below are some tips on how to clean your ears safely and effectively:

DOs:

Use a damp washcloth to wipe the external part of the ear. By all means, avoid using cotton swabs as they can push earwax deeper into the ear canal and risk damage to the eardrum.
Visit an audiologist or hearing healthcare professional for professional earwax removal if you experience alarming symptoms such as ringing in the ears, ear pain, or a feeling of fullness in the ear.

DON’Ts:

Insert slim, tiny objects such as Q-tips, hairpins, toothpicks, or cotton swabs into the ear canal.
Use ear candles. Despite the hype, there is no scientific evidence to support the use of ear candles. If anything, ear candles may only cause burns or injury to your ear.
Over-clean your ears. The ear is designed to produce wax on its own, which helps to shield the ear canal from dirt, insects, infection, and other damage. If you clean your ears too often, you can strip the natural protective amount of earwax and lead to problems.

How Does An Audiologist Clean Ears?

Audiologists specialize in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of hearing disorders.

Here’s what you can expect during professional earwax removal at Columbine Hearing Care:

Before the procedure, we will conduct a thorough examination of your ears to determine if there is any perforation, damage or infection.

We will use specialized instruments to examine the ear canal and identify the presence of blockages and/or severity of earwax buildup.

Depending on the severity of the earwax buildup, we may use various techniques for earwax removal, such as manual removal, suction, or irrigation.

After the earwax removal procedure, we will provide you with detailed instructions on how to take care of your ears at home, including how to prevent future earwax buildup.

How often should I get my ears professionally cleaned?

The frequency of ear cleaning depends on various factors, including the amount of earwax produced, age, medical condition, and lifestyle.

Generally, it’s not necessary to have professional ear cleaning very often, since the ears have a self-cleaning mechanism that is designed to keep them clean.

For most individuals, professional ear wax removal or ear cleaning is recommended only when symptoms such as ringing in the ears, ear pain, hearing loss, or a feeling of pressure or blockage in the ear manifest.

If you wear hearing aids or ear wear regularly, you may need more frequent professional ear cleaning because of the increased risk of earwax buildup. An audiologist may recommend regular cleaning sessions to ensure proper hearing aid function and prevent impaction of earwax.

If you feel like your ears need some cleaning, make sure to practice safe and appropriate ear cleaning techniques. If you’re not confident cleaning your ears on your own, you can always see an audiologist and get your ears professionally cleaned.

Columbine Hearing Care: Professional Ear Wax Removal Services in Littleton, CO

At Columbine Hearing Care, we are dedicated to giving you the best hearing care to ensure that you stay connected to the people and moments that matter most.

As part of our comprehensive hearing care services, we offer professional ear wax removal in Littleton, CO, and nearby communities.