Earwax is a natural substance that is supposed to clean and protect the ears, but if it is produced in excess amounts, it can cause problems with your hearing. Ear syringing, also known as ear irrigation, is one of the most common treatments.
The Problem with Excess Earwax
Glands in the outer ear canal produce a mix of cerumen and sebum that become what we call earwax. As it travels through and eventually falls or is washed from the ear, it collects dead skin cells and hair and any dirt, dust or particulates that it finds, allowing them to be expelled. If earwax is produced to excess or hardens inside the ear, it may become trapped, causing dizziness, itchiness, pain, tinnitus or hearing loss. You may attempt to remove earwax yourself using a few drops of olive oil or with a bulb syringe, commonly available at pharmacies.
How Does Ear Syringing Work?
In cases where ear drops or ear bulbs do not work, you may need to visit a doctor, nurse or audiologist Taunton. Experts such as those at https://www.imperialhearing.com/audiologist-near-me/taunton can offer a consultation to see if ear syringing is the right procedure for you, or if you would benefit from another method of earwax extraction, such as microsuction. Syringing may not be appropriate for those with grommets, current, recent or recurrent ear infections, a history of cleft palate or perforated eardrums or previous ear surgeries.
Syringing, which today is more often called irrigation, involves using lukewarm water to wash out the ear canal and with it any accumulated earwax. First, the wax needs to be softened, which can be done by applying ear drops several times a day during the fortnight before the procedure. After the procedure, some people may feel dizzy or experience some inflammation, but this should recede within a few days or may be treated with more ear drops. If you experience ongoing pain, discharge, itching or swelling, consult with a doctor or other medical professional.
If home remedies do not work, ear syringing is likely to be one of the first treatments for excess earwax considered by an audiologist.