A lot of people are under the impression that ear wax is a bad thing, and something that needs to be removed. But that’s simply not the case.
Here’s an important fact that not many are aware of: ear wax is actually a cleaning agent for your ear. A lot of people are under the impression that ear wax is a bad thing, and something that needs to be removed. But that’s simply not the case; ear wax can actually be really beneficial for your ears. When there’s a buildup, though, you may be tempted to remove it yourself. Before you make this mistake, you should know the risks of trying to get rid of ear wax at home.
Damages You Could Cause
We’ve all heard the cautionary tale that instructs us to not put any foreign objects in our ears, including cotton swabs. The reason is simple; using a cotton swab tip could push the wax further into your ear canal, which could cause impaction. Medical professionals call this a cerumen impaction. This is when a buildup of ear wax prevents your ear from hearing sounds properly. In this case, medical attention is required. Also, when you attempt to clean your ears on your own, you could even damage the tiny bones in your ear. This, in many cases, could lead to the need of surgery. To save yourself the trouble, keep any foreign object out of your ear canal.
Ways to Prevent Impaction
Ear wax is needed. Usually, it comes out on its own when it is no longer needed to protect the ear. While it acts as a cleaning process, ear wax can also protect your inner ear from dirt and bacteria. You shouldn’t clean your ear aside from what wax makes its way out on its own. If you’ve had previous instances of wax buildup, you could try at-home remedies like baby oil or wax softeners. Don’t ever use anything like candles, which could cause further damage. Rinsing the ear with hydrogen peroxide may seem like the right idea, but if your hearing problem isn’t because of impaction, it could cause serious further damage.
Call Bay Area Audiology to professionally clean your ears!
Ready to change the way you look at hearing loss? Our Doctor of Audiology, Dr. Trisha A. Bents Muth, is exceptionally experienced in the art of audiology, and is dedicated to providing the absolute best solutions. Bay Area Audiology has been working to give patients a comfortable environment, with thorough evaluations. We are independently owned, and unbiased when it comes to finding you the care you need.
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