What is the Safest Way to Remove Earwax?

What is the Safest Way to Remove Earwax?

Earwax, also known as cerumin, is a naturally occurring substance produced by the glands in the ear canal. It acts as a self-cleaning agent, trapping dust and other particles to prevent them from reaching and potentially damaging the eardrum. Keep reading to find out about our earwax removal service at our pharmacy in Lisburn.

What causes an earwax build-up?

Earwax is produced by the outer ear canal to protect the ear. It’s a natural part of your body and helps keep bacteria out of your ears, but if you have too much earwax, it can build up and cause problems.

It’s possible for earwax to build up if:

– Your ear canals are narrow or damaged.
– The ear canals are covered in hair.
– Your ear canal is inflamed (otitis externa, sometimes known as “swimmer’s ear”).
– You have a skin condition either on your scalp or in the area around your ear.

Earwax buildup occurs when too much earwax accumulates in the ear canal and becomes compacted, making it difficult for it to move out of the ear naturally. This can cause symptoms such as hearing loss, ear pain, ringing in the ear (tinnitus), and an earache. In some cases, impacted earwax can also cause a feeling of fullness in the ear.

If you think you may have a buildup of earwax, get in touch with us. We can determine the cause of your symptoms and advise you on the best course of treatment, which may include using eardrops, irrigation, or manual removal.

What is the safest earwax removal method?

The safest way to remove earwax is to let it naturally migrate out of the ear canal. However, in some cases, the earwax may become impacted and cause symptoms, in which case removal may be necessary. In such cases, the following methods are considered safe:

Ear irrigation

This involves using a device that shoots a gentle stream of water into the ear canal to flush out the earwax. A healthcare professional should be the only one to perform this.

Eardrops

You can use over-the-counter eardrops to soften the earwax, making it easier to remove. Simply apply a few drops of the solution into the ear canal and wait a few minutes before gently flushing the ear with warm water.

Manual removal

A healthcare professional can use special instruments to remove the earwax manually. This is a safe and effective method, but it should only be performed by someone who is trained and experienced in the procedure.

It’s important to avoid using cotton swabs or other objects to try to remove earwax, as this can push the earwax further into the ear canal and potentially cause damage to the eardrum. If you have any concerns about earwax buildup or any symptoms related to the ear, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Is earwax removal at home safe?

In general, it’s safe to remove earwax at home with over-the-counter eardrops or by using ear irrigation with a bulb syringe filled with saline solution. However, it’s important to be cautious when removing earwax at home and to avoid inserting objects, such as cotton swabs or hairpins, into the ear canal.

How can I treat earwax build-up?

An earwax build-up can usually be treated at home using the following methods:

Ear drops

Over-the-counter ear drops can help soften the earwax, making it easier to remove.

Hydrogen peroxide

Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water. Tilt your head to one side and use a dropper to apply a few drops of the solution to the affected ear. Wait for 5-10 minutes, then tilt your head in the opposite direction to let the solution drain out.

Baby oil or mineral oil

Place a few drops of baby oil or mineral oil in the affected ear, using a dropper. Wait for 5-10 minutes, then tilt your head to let the oil drain out.

Warm water irrigation

Fill a clean, plastic syringe with warm water. Tilt your head to one side and use the syringe to gently squirt water into the affected ear. Tilt your head in the opposite direction to let the water drain out. Repeat if necessary.

If the above methods do not relieve the symptoms or if there is any pain, discharge, hearing loss or dizziness, it’s best to consult your pharmacist or doctor. They may use special instruments to remove the earwax or prescribe medication to help soften it.

Where can earwax removal in Lisburn be done?

Book your appointment with or visit Grahame Pharmacy today for safe earwax removal in Lisburn. Get in touch with us for more information.

 

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This blog post was written on behalf of Grahame Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.