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EAR WAX
DO'S & DON'TS
The Do’s & Don’ts of ear wax removal
Ear wax, or cerumen, is a yellow, grey, orange or brown material that is made in your ear canal.
It is part of the defence mechanism of our body that do the following things 24/7 without us being noticed:
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Protects our ear canal from bacteria, dust, foreign particles, and microorganisms by creating an acidic environment in the ear canal.
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Creates a sticky environment so foreign objects and especially insects cannot go deep into our ears.
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Creates a moisturised environment to protect the very delicate skin in our ear canal.
A variety of items are promoted for the purpose of cleaning the ears, ranging from cotton buds to ear tubes. Yet, our ears possess innate mechanisms for self-cleaning. To maintain the health and proper operation of your ear canals, it's advisable to avoid disrupting these natural mechanisms. Nonetheless, consult ear wax specialist if you experience ear discomfort, a sensation of fullness in the ear, or alterations in your hearing. Below are some guidelines for safely cleaning your ears.
Don’t: Use Cotton Swabs Inside of Your Ears
A frequent error individuals often commit in the process of cleaning their ears involves the use of cotton swabs. It's acceptable to employ cotton swabs on the outer part of your ear, but it's crucial to avoid inserting them deeply into the ear canal. Inserting a cotton swab can lead to significant harm to your ear as it may push earwax deeper into the ear, impede the body's natural earwax expulsion process, and potentially cause harm to the eardrum. Inserting objects like cotton swabs or sharp items into your ear can also lead to other severe issues.
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Infection
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Rupture of the eardrum
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Significant hearing loss
Do: Try a Warm Washcloth
A safer option for cleaning your ears is to opt for a damp cloth instead. Simply wet a warm cloth and clean the outer part of your ear. Afterward, use a different cloth to dry your ears. This approach is an effective preventive measure to maintain ear hygiene and reduce the risk of ear infections.
Don’t: Use Ear Candles
Using ear candles is one of the most harmful methods for cleaning your ears. The primary reason to steer clear of them is that they require a flame to draw the ear wax up. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has discovered that they can lead to burns and possibly even damage the ear canal by piercing it. Additionally, the danger of having an open flame close to your head and hair, along with the lack of proof that these candles generate sufficient suction to extract ear wax from the ear canal, make them a risky choice.
Do: Get Ear Drops
Rather than using ear candles, think about trying ear drops. You can find many ear drops available for sale that are made to soften and eliminate ear wax. They are generally safe to buy without a prescription. However, avoid using them if you have an active ear infection or believe you might have a hole in your eardrum.
Certain individuals experience an accumulation of ear wax, which can result in a disorder known as ceruminosis. This situation may lead to the development of ear infections, hearing impairment, ear discomfort, and ringing in the ears. While some cases of this condition may be addressed with readily available ear drops, it frequently requires the attention of an ear wax specialist. A rapid examination of the ear and a specialised hearing assessment can reveal if additional issues are present beyond just earwax accumulation. People who use hearing aids are at a higher risk of experiencing a cerumen build-up.
Clinic based and home visits appointments available.
Please use Earol olive oil spray prior to your appointment. This will make the procedure more comfortable and loosen up while softening the wax before the appointment.
£20 if no wax during examination
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