Safe Ways To Deal With Ear Wax Build-up

Ear wax is a natural substance that protects the ear canal and eardrum from dirt, bacteria, and other foreign substances. It also helps to reduce the risk of infection by trapping microorganisms before they can grow and cause problems in your ears. 

However, if too much earwax gets trapped near the opening of the ear canal it can lead to temporary hearing loss or infection. Read this article to learn about different ways to deal with a wax build-up in the ear.

See A Professional

When you start to suspect that you have a wax build-up in your ear, the best course of action is to see a professional. An audiologist will inspect your ear and see if there’s any wax causing problems. They usually use a tool called an otoscope to take a look inside your ears. If the problem is deemed urgent, they will remove your earwax with special tools. Having a professional earwax removal will ensure that the wax is removed properly and safely. However, keep in mind that ear wax protects you, so unless you have a major wax build-up, it is generally not recommended to have your earwax removed.

Don’t Use Cotton Buds

A common practice when it comes to dealing with wax build-up is using a cotton bud to stick in your ear and pull out the excess wax. In fact, many people do this without even realizing that they’re doing anything wrong. 

However, there are different reasons why you should carefully consider whether or not you want to use a cotton bud on your ear. Cotton buds can actually push the wax deeper into your ear canal, which can lead to more serious problems like damages to your eardrum, which can cause an infection or even a temporary hearing loss. Cotton buds should be used with extra precaution and only to the external part of your ear. Don’t ever push them inside your ear canal.

Ear Drops Might Be Helpful

Although water should be enough in cleaning your ears, some people might find drops helpful. If you have a wax build-up, your doctor may recommend ear drops to soften the excessive wax build-up. You can buy these ear drops over the counter, or your doctor might prescribe them to you. Use them as directed, and don’t use them for more than a week, because overuse can also cause damage to your ears. Drops should soften the wax and eventually make it easier to remove. If it doesn’t work, you should go see a professional.

Overall, the best way to deal with wax build-up is to see a professional. An audiologist will inspect your ear canal with an otoscope and use special tools to remove the wax. Keep in mind that a small amount of ear wax is harmless and normal, so you don’t need to worry unless you have a build-up that’s bothering you. You can also take some preventive measures, like not using cotton buds and only using them on the external part of your ear, and using ear drops if necessary. If you’re still having problems with wax build-up, go see your doctor. He or she will be able to help you get rid of the wax and recommend ways to prevent it from happening again.