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Watch for these Signs You Need a Professional Ear Cleaning

Watch for these Signs You Need a Professional Ear Cleaning

By: Audiologist, Angie Lederman, MS, CCC-A

How do you clean your ears? Do you use cotton swabs? Stop! It is dangerous. There is a saying “never put anything smaller than your elbow in your ears.” Cotton swabs are not advised due to an increased risk of compaction, development of ear infections, and risk of injury. They are also likely to irritate the ear.

If you have been experiencing any of the symptoms above, it is recommended that you speak with an expert. The professionals at Hear Now offer guidance and earwax removal appointments.

Some earwax is necessary for proper ear health. Earwax protects your ears by moisturizing the skin, preventing infections, and acting as a shield for your eardrum. If you are hearing like normal, are not experiencing any pain, and your earwax is yellow, then you shouldn’t need to worry about cleaning your ear canals.

There are some signs that you may need a professional ear cleaning. Look out for these:

Ear Pain

If you are experiencing ear pain, it could be because of too much earwax stuck in your ear canal. It can accumulate and harden. Excessive earwax accumulation can cause infection. If earwax buildup is the cause of your ear pain, a professional ear cleaning can alleviate the pain.

Loss of Hearing

A significant buildup of earwax can actually cause a hearing loss! The buildup of wax can obstruct your ear canal and impair your hearing ability. If you are noticing a hearing loss, you should contact an audiologist immediately.

Blocked Ears

Do your ears feel clogged? You may have developed a buildup of earwax. Although earwax is normal and healthy, sometimes it accumulates. This can cause a blockage in your ear canal and you may notice problems. If you are experiencing an ear blockage, this may be a sign that you need a professional earwax removal.

Dark Earwax

The color of your earwax can indicate ear health. Watch out for dark colored earwax. This shows that you have an excess of debris accumulating in your ear. If your ear starts discharging a dark colored wax, it is time to contact a professional.

When to Contact an Audiologist

Are you experiencing any of the symptoms above? They are signs that your ears are not cleaning themselves and not functioning as well as they should. If you are experiencing ear discomfort, you should see a specialist so you can receive prompt treatment.

Schedule an appointment with a hearing care professional at Hear Now Audiology & Tinnitus Center. We offer a range of hearing healthcare services. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for earwax removal with the Earigator - a quick and painless earwax removal solution. We can also schedule a hearing evaluation and get started on your hearing healthcare journey.

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