Ear wax gets a bad reputation as being something disgusting and unhygienic when it’s actually there for a good reason. The right amount of ear wax can prove to be highly beneficial in protecting our ears from harm. The material helps to trap all kinds of problematic particles and germs as they enter the ear canal. This means less chance of dirt, debris, and bacteria making it up deeper in the canal and into the eardrum, and therefore fewer risks of infections and earache. However, there are times when ear wax can get out of hand and build up within the ear. If left untreated, it can cause a lot of problems.
Ear cleaning services are the best way to tackle these problematic earwax build-ups. You can make an appointment with a specialist to get all that wax out of your ears safely and effectively so you can feel a lot better. You should not try to remove it yourself at home as you could end up making things worse. Before we look at how these professional ear-cleaning experts can help, here are some of the common signs that you need an ear cleaning.
5 Signs Of Ear Wax Problems
1) Changes In Your Hearing
Changes in your hearing can be alarming if they go on for a long time, but the answer could simply lie in the levels of ear wax in your ears. Any blockage in the ear will restrict ear function. You might find that your hearing is a little muffled, and you need to turn the TV a little more than normal. If you’re otherwise healthy and haven’t been dealing with any sort of respiratory issue like a cold or sinus infection, ear wax may be the problem. Take note of the amount of hearing loss and whether it’s only affecting one ear or both.
2) Tinnitus
Often, patients find that it’s not just hearing loss they’re dealing with but also some tinnitus. Tinnitus is the medical term for that buzzing or ringing sensation in your ears. It can sound like you’re picking up interference from another frequency or someone’s used a tuning fork. Temporary tinnitus isn’t uncommon. However, if you’ve been dealing with it for a while, or it’s particularly strong in one ear, there may be an ear wax blockage. You don’t have to put up with this noise. You can get help removing ear wax in Belfast to resolve the issue. Of course, if the problem remains after ear cleaning, you will need to seek further guidance.
3) Pain And Discomfort
Significant ear wax build-ups can also lead to uncomfortable sensations within the ear, where you can literally feel the wax building up and causing problems. It could be that the ear feels full or heavier, and it’s irritating you. Or, it could be that the wax has compacted to the point of there being a much more painful sensation. Any sign of pain in the ear is worth checking out. If it is an ear wax problem, you can book a removal and have it sorted very easily. If it’s not, you can find out if there’s an infection, eardrum issue, or something else to treat.
4) Vertigo
Another concerning symptom is vertigo. Vertigo isn’t just something people get at high heights. Ear problems are also a cause. The main symptoms are a sense of dizziness and nausea, and this can become so bad that you’re unable to carry out basic tasks. It stems from an inability to maintain your equilibrium because of the impact of ear wax or other damage to the ear. This tends to happen when there’s a blockage on one side. The dangers of vertigo mean you can ignore this symptom. It could result in you injuring yourself if you don’t address the cause.
5) Loose Wax And Discharge
Finally, there’s the issue of wax or discharge on your pillow. Don’t assume that this is the ear completely cleaning itself out and that any previous issues with pain, muffled hearing, or tinnitus will go away. You may lose some wax that’s dried and fallen out, but more may be impacted within the ear canal. The discharge could be a sign of an infection that requires further medical attention.
How To Get Ear Wax Removed Safely
Now you know when to contact an expert team about ear wax removal. You want to be sure you make the right appointment. Some clinics will use ear syringing as their go-to ear-cleaning method. While there are plenty of services that do so with a great safety record and effective results, it isn’t always the best option. Syringing means dislodging wax by adding high-pressure jets of water. Ideally, you don’t want to be adding anything to your ears if you don’t have to because of the risk of damage. Misjudged water jets could result in a perforated eardrum.
That’s why top ear cleaning centres will use micro-suction instead. As the name suggests, this process lets technicians use a small suction device to essentially vacuum up the wax from the ear. The process should be clean and effective enough to remove the wax without any risk of harm. An extra benefit here is that the tool comes with a microscope, so technicians can see the progress and make sure nothing is left behind. The low-impact option can also be effective on impacted ear wax, although the session may take a little longer.
Book An Appointment Today
If you’re reading this with any discomfort in your ears, vertigo, or noticeable discharges from your ears, consider booking an ear cleaning appointment. You can set up a session with a skilled practitioner to gently suck the wax out of your ears and get them clean and unrestricted again. Once the process is over, you’ll be able to get back to your normal routine with better balance, better hearing, and less pain. The sooner you get the wax dealt with, the sooner you’ll feel a lot better.
