Do you feel that you produce a large amount of earwax? Do you suffer from blocked ears or impacted ear wax often? Find out what you can do to prevent ear wax build up and if this process can be slowed down.
What Causes a Build Up of Earwax?
There are a range of factors that can cause or contribute to a build up of earwax. Earwax blockages can happen to anyone and may impact most adults at least once in their lifetime. Some of the risk factors for developing impacted or built up earwax include:
- Using hearing aids.
These block the natural passage of wax out of the ears. - Swimming regularly.
Water getting trapped in the ear can exacerbate ear wax problems. - Overuse of ear plugs or headphones.
Using anything in the ear too often can prevent earwax exiting the ear. - Improperly cleaning ears.
Using cotton buds or other items to attempt to remove wax may make the problem worse and can even damage the eardrum or ear canals. - Genetic factors.
Some people are more prone to excess wax production, or have ear canals that are shaped in a way that make wax more difficult to pass through.
Symptoms of Built Up or Impacted Ear Wax
When you have a build up of earwax inside of your ear, you may experience a range of uncomfortable symptoms. The most prevalent is a sensation of blockage or “fullness”.
When this happens, you may feel like your hearing is affected or that sounds are more muffled than usual. You might experience itching in and around the ear, or pain. Some people suffer from tinnitus, or a ringing or buzzing sound in the ear, when they have a build-up of earwax.
Treatment for Ear Wax Build Up
The best way to alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms of ear wax build up is the micro-suction method used at Earworx. Micro-suction is a safe and effective process that uses small instruments and gentle suction to remove wax blockages. Micro-suction is a dry technique, making it safe for people with existing ear problems. It may also provide immediate relief from blocked ear symptoms.
How to Slow Down and Prevent a Build-up of Earwax
Earwax is a naturally occurring substance which is an important part of healthy ear function, protecting your ears from foreign bodies and debris.
However, if you are prone to excess earwax or you are suffering from blocked ears often, there are some preventative measures you can take to avoid this problem. Using over-the-counter ear wax softening drops from the chemist or olive oil 1-2 nights per month (or as required) can prevent your ear wax from becoming hard and impacted inside of the ear. This can help the wax to move out of the ear more easily. Only use ear drops if you do not have a hole in your ear drum.
Additionally, you should never attempt to remove wax yourself using cotton buds or other implements. This can push wax further into the ear canal and cause a build up to occur.
Reducing the amount of time that you use earbuds in the ear can also help to reduce wax build up.
Book an appointment with our highly trained Registered Nurses at Earworx today on 1800 327 967 or book online at www.earworx.com.au