While ear wax does have its useful purposes, when you have too much ear wax it can cause wax build-up and ear canal blockage. However, you can also cause blockage by cleaning your ears out with a cotton swab or other items that push the earwax further into your ear canal.

Therefore, healthcare providers recommend having a professional perform ear wax removal procedures. It’s the best and safest way to remove ear wax blockage and clean your ears.

Keep reading to learn more.

What is Ear Wax?

Ear wax plays an important role in your body because it helps to eliminate debris, dirt, dead skin cells, and hair from your ear canal. Ear wax keeps your ear canal from itching, and it reduces the risk of infection. Ear wax also reduces irritation when water gets into your ear canal. If excess earwax accumulates too much, it may become hard and form a plug that blocks your ear that causes an earache and (temporary) hearing loss.

Earwax Build-up Symptoms      

  • Itching
  • Dizziness or vertigo
  • Hearing loss
  • An ear infection
  • An earache or ringing in your ear
  • Itchiness
  • A cough caused by the blockage pressure which stimulates a nerve in the ear
  • A feeling of fullness in your ear

Risks of Removing Ear Wax at Home

Many people use hairpins, Q-Tip cotton swabs, or even paperclips to clean their ears. However, this can be risky because when you stick a foreign object in your ear, you run the risk of pushing the earwax further into your ear and causing a blockage or damaging your eardrum and ear canal.

Some of these items include:

  • Q-tips or cotton swabs
  • Napkin corners
  • Keys
  • Bobby pins

Earwax removal is a relatively simple procedure. However, if it’s not done correctly, it can have serious consequences for one’s hearing. Therefore, you shouldn’t attempt to do it at home with foreign objects.

You should seek professional medical attention from an experienced clinician at Hodgson Pharmacy where you can get professional ear wax removal in Kent, Bexley, as well as our other London locations.

WHEN TO SEE A HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL FOR EAR WAX REMOVAL

As mentioned previously, your eardrum and ear canal are very delicate, you shouldn’t risk damaging them by removing ear wax yourself.  It is safer to allow a clinician at Hodgson Pharmacy to perform the ear wax removal.

A healthcare provider or doctor can remove ear wax build-up using:

·         Ear syringing

  • Ear Microsuction
  • A curette
  • A rubber ball syringe
  • Ear wax removal drops

The clinician at Hodgson Pharmacy may remove your excess wax using any of the techniques above such as using Mircosuction to essentially vacuum out the wax build-up or using a curved, small instrument called a curette. They might also use Ear Syringing (a syringe filled with warm water) or a water pick to flush out the wax. Ear wax removal drops may be used prior to these procedures to soften the ear wax.

To request ear wax removal costs or to book an appointment for ear wax removal at Hodgson Pharmacy in London – get in touch today. Get ear wax removal in Bexley, Kent, or any of our other London branches.