Earwax has antibacterial properties and is a natural cleanser for our ears. However, excess amounts of ear wax can plug your ear canals, causing more harm than good. In these cases, ear wax removal services help prevent infections, earaches, and other complications.
While you can use ear wax removal tools at home, seeking professional support for specialised tools is safest. With that in mind, here are some standard ear wax removal tools.
Cotton Buds
Most people think of cotton buds as an effective tool to clean their ears. However, they are only safe for removing ear wax on the outside of your ears, and you should avoid putting them in your ear canal. Using a cotton bud in your ear can end up pushing ear wax deeper into the canal or cause other damages.
Ear Drops
You can buy ear drops with varying active ingredients over the counter or call us at Beckenham Hearing and ask for advice. Common ingredients include natural oils or carbamide peroxide that chemically breaks up and loosens excessive ear wax. Drop the liquid into your outer canal and lay on your side as the product recommends before flushing it out. However, you should consult with a professional before continuously using ear drops.
Flexible Curet
A curet is a curved instrument that dislodges and removes ear wax buildup. Professionals will gently scrape excess ear wax from the side of the ear canal. They are trained not to cause injury to the lining of your ear canal when using this tool. They will also examine the ear first to identify precisely where the buildup is.
Microsuction
The microsuction ear cleaning technique involves a few different tools your hearing care professional here at Beckenham, will use to remove ear wax blockage. First, they will use a microscope or endoscope to examine your ear and identify the blockage. Then they will use a tiny vacuum to dislodge and remove the ear wax through gentle suction. It is a safe and effective method and our patients prefer it to older techniques.
A word from our lead Audiologist, Neil
Most of these tools listed are available through professional services and best used with guidance from your Audiologist and after a proper inspection of your ear wax buildup. Contact Neil today.
