What is wax ?
Wax is produced in the outer one third of the ear canal by wax glands and is the body’s antiseptic for ears, trapping dust, debris and bacteria . Wax will naturally migrate out of your ears, but sometimes wax can gradually build up until eventually the ear is blocked.
New wax is soft, moist and light in colour, whereas wax that is lodged in the ear appears darker and is much harder thus preventing the natural movement of wax out of the ear. Occasionally, ear wax can build up to such an extent that it presses on the ear drum which can cause discomfort and ear pain .
Why does earwax build up?
There are a number of reasons for ear wax build up —these are a few of the most common factors:
- Using cotton buds, ear plugs, hearing aids or ear phones can result in a wax build up. In many cases, wax is pushed further down the ear preventing its natural movement, the wax then hardens stopping new wax from moving, thus causing a blockage.
- As people get older the ear wax produced by the body changes in consistency – it is generally harder and more sticky, meaning that a build up of wax is generally more common and can happen quickly.
- Narrow ear canals and excessive cilia (ear hair) can mean that wax easily gets trapped and is unable to move out of the ear effectively.
- Working in a very dusty or dirty environment can cause the ears to produce more wax in order to trap dust and debris and protect the ear.
How to I know if it’s wax?
Qualified health professionals such as GPS, Audiologists and Ear Care Nurses can confirm if wax is blocking your ears. Indications that you may have a wax-related blockage can include: difficulty hearing (things sound quieter than usual); ear pain*/ ear ache*; tinnitus* (a ringing in the ears) or vertigo* (dizziness); your ears may start to feel ‘full’ and itchy. If you wear a hearing aid, you may start to notice the hearing aid is whistling more than usual.
How do I remove wax?
Ear wax removal should only be carried out by a qualified professional and micro-suction is the safest and most comfortable method of earwax removal available – no fuss, no mess, just instant relief from the inconvenience and discomfort of blocked ears. You can book your microsuction appointment by calling us free on 0800 002 9503 or CLICK HERE
How do I stop wax building up?
After microsuction your ears will be totally clear of wax, we then recommend regular use of Earol ear spray — using Earol spray (in both ears) morning and night for 14 consecutive days every 6 months generally ensures that ear wax remains soft and able to naturally migrate out of the ears.
If you continue to have a build up of wax, we would recommend regular Interhearing microsuction appointments to help you avoid the discomfort and inconvenience of having blocked ears. Unlike traditional ear syringing where ear wax must be totally blocking your ears before the procedure is deemed safe, patients can have wax safely and quickly removed by microsuction at any point. We would recommend that all patients book an annual microsuction check up by calling us free on 0800 002 9503 or CLICK HERE
Where do I go for Earol?
You can purchase Earol spray at your microsuction appointment directly from an Interhearing Audiologist; by calling us or by visiting our online shop at www.interhearing.com/shop.
* Some symptoms listed may be an indication of other medical issues. If you are concerned, contact your GP for advice.
