At Earworx, your comfort and ear health are our top priority. After your professional earwax removal appointment, it’s important to know how to care for your ears moving forward. This guide explains what earwax is, why it sometimes builds up, and how to keep your ears healthy between visits.
What is Earwax Made Of?
Earwax, or cerumen, is a natural substance produced by glands in the ear canal. It’s made up of:
- Dead skin cells
- Dust
- Dirt
- Hairs
- Secretions from oil and sweat glands
Despite its reputation, earwax is essential for healthy ears. It protects the ear canal by trapping dust, dirt, and bacteria, while also keeping the skin lubricated and comfortable. It contains lysosomes which help prevent infection. It is also bitter to the taste, so it deters insects!
How is Earwax Produced?
The skin inside your ear canal naturally migrates outward in a ‘conveyor belt’ motion, and for most carries earwax out with it. Most of the time, this process keeps your ears clean without you even noticing.
Why Does Earwax Build Up?
Sometimes earwax doesn’t clear properly, leading to a blocked ear. This is commonly due to either ear anatomy, lifestyle reasons or can be just genetic (thanks Mum and Dad!).
Examples of causes include:
- Naturally narrow, curved or hairy ear canals
- Overproduction of wax
- Having a hereditary disposition to wax build up
- Use of cotton buds or other implements, which push wax further in
- Wearing hearing aids, earbuds, or earplugs, which interfere with the ear’s self-cleaning mechanism
Can I Get Water in My Ears After Earwax Removal?
After an Earworx appointment, you can safely shower, swim, and wash your hair. Unless your Earworx Registered Nurse advises otherwise, there’s no need to avoid water in your ears.
Can I Fly After an Appointment?
Absolutely. In fact, many people find that flying feels more comfortable after their ears have been cleared, since earwax build-up can sometimes worsen pressure changes during flights. We also recommend earwax removal prior to a ‘swimming holiday’ as water can become trapped behind built up wax; a fast way to take the fun out of a relaxing break.
When Should I Come Back?
How often you will need earwax removal depends on your individual needs. For some, one treatment every 12 months is enough. Others may benefit from more regular visits every 3-6 months. Your Earworx nurse will provide clinical recommendations at your appointment, including how often to attend and which products to use to maintain your ears between visits.
However, if your ear blocks or your hearing decreases before we reach out to remind you to rebook, please feel free to book back in. Your Earworx Registered Nurse will assess your wax build-up levels and will recommend a personalised appointment schedule that ensures we stay just ahead of wax building up to prevent any uncomfortable symptoms from returning.
Caring for Your Ears Between Visits
To help prevent earwax build-up and maintain healthy ear care, please follow the clinical recommendations of your Earworx Registered Nurse.Â
These recommendations will include when to return and also what softening drops to use prevent uncomfortable symptoms from returning and help lengthen the time between visits.
Also follow these tips:
- Avoid cotton buds – they can push wax deeper in the canal and cause problems.
- Keep ears dry after showering or water based activities – gently dry the outer ear with a towel or use a hairdryer on low heat to dry the ear canals
- Use softening drops once a month as recommended – olive oil, ear clear or peroxide 3% may be suggested by your Earworx Registered Nurse
- Listen to your ears – if you notice blocked ears, muffled hearing, or discomfort, book a check-up sooner rather than later.
Earworx Offers Safe Solutions
Most ears are self-cleaning and the less attention they are given the better. But if earwax builds up, Earworx earwax removal via microsuction at Earworx provides a safe and effective solution. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy clear, comfortable ears between visits and rest assured that you’re in safe hands when you return.