Understanding your ears and earwax

By Oliver Wright, audiologist and Chairperson of Association of Independent Hearing Healthcare Professionals (AIHHP)

Let’s dive deep into a topic that might not be the first thing on your mind but plays a big role in your ear’s health: earwax. Yep, that golden gooey stuff that sometimes makes a surprise appearance when you least expect it.

But fear not, because earwax is like your ear’s own superhero, fighting off invaders and keeping things running smoothly.

What is earwax?

It’s actually a natural secretion produced by glands in your ear canal. Think of it as your ear’s way of keeping itself clean and protected. It’s made up of a combination of dead skin cells, oil, and sweat, all mixed together in a sticky concoction.

Now, you might be wondering, what’s the point of having earwax? Earwax actually serves some pretty
nifty purposes.

How it helps

First off, it acts as a natural lubricant, keeping your ear canal nice and moist. This helps prevent dryness
and itchiness, which nobody wants to deal with. Believe it or not, having no earwax is sometimes a bigger problem than having too much.

Earwax also plays a crucial role in protecting your ears from invaders like dust, dirt, and pesky bugs. It forms a protective barrier, trapping these unwanted guests before they can cause any trouble. So, next time you’re out and about, thank your earwax for keeping your ears safe and sound.

In addition to keeping your ears clean and protected, earwax also helps with something called self-cleaning. As new wax is produced, the old stuff slowly makes its way to the outer ear, taking any trapped debris along for the ride. It’s like a conveyor belt of cleanliness, ensuring your ears stay spick and span. Maybe this all sounds too good to be true?

Treating earwax

Well, like any superhero, earwax isn’t without its kryptonite. Enter earwax build-up, the bane of our ear’s
existence. So, why does it happen?

Well, sometimes our ears can produce more wax than they know what to do with. This can happen for a variety of reasons, like using earbuds or hearing aids, which can push wax further
into the ear canal.

Certain medical conditions can also cause excessive wax production, leading to build-up. So if occasional build-ups are inevitable, are home remedies for removing earwax safe?

While some home remedies can be safe and effective when used correctly, others can do more harm than good. Ear drops, for example, can help soften earwax, making it easier to remove. But stick that cotton bud too far into your ear, and you could end up pushing wax deeper or, worse, damaging your delicate ear canal. Ouch!

DIY removal kits

Now, what about those tempting DIY earwax removal kits you see on the shelves? Should you give them a whirl?

DIY kits can be a convenient option for some folks, but they’re not without risks. Most kits come with tools like ear syringes or ear irrigation systems designed to flush out wax. While these methods can be effective when done correctly, they can also cause injury or infection if mishandled.

I would personally never recommend a DIY kit unless you have had a healthcare professional assess your ear canal first and confirm you have no underlying risks. You are always best off trusting a hearing care professional to clear your ears for you!

Professional services

But what about the professionals? What magical methods do we use to rid ears of wax? When it comes to
professional earwax removal, there are a few tried-and-true methods in our arsenal.

One popular method is ear syringing, where warm water is gently flushed into the ear canal to dislodge and remove wax. Another option is micro suction, a gentle vacuuming technique that sucks out wax without the need for water.

And for stubborn cases, a tiny instrument called a curette may be used to scoop out wax manually.
All of these methods have their positives and negatives and your hearing care professional will use
the correct method to safely and efficiently help you.

Accessing an accredited professional for earwax removal is crucial for several reasons. For starters, they have the expertise and training to safely remove wax without causing harm.

They also have access to specialised tools and equipment designed specifically for ear care. Plus, if any complications arise during the procedure or earwax is deemed to not actually be the cause of the symptoms you are facing, they’re equipped to handle them like the pros they are and look to the next course of action.

Hearing checks

Now, onto everyone’s favourite topic: how often should you get your ears checked? Well, it depends on a few factors, like your age, medical history, and lifestyle. Generally speaking, adults should aim for a hearing test every 3-5 years, while kids, over 55’s and those already experiencing hearing loss may need more frequent tests on a yearly basis.

If you notice any changes in your hearing or experience pain or discomfort in your ears, don’t wait – schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional pronto!

Good ear health

Finally, let’s talk about some top tips for maintaining good ear health. First off, practise safe listening habits by keeping the volume down on your devices and wearing ear protection in noisy environments. Trust us, your ears will thank you later!

Secondly, resist the urge to play doctor, leave earwax removal to the professionals. And finally, be mindful of what you put in your ears, whether it’s cotton buds, fingers, or other foreign objects.

When in doubt, remember the golden rule: if it’s smaller than your elbow, keep it out!

Campaign on unregulated earwax

AIHHP has launched a new website designed to connect people requiring earwax removal with clinicians who are fully trained.

The site – blockedears.co.uk – is part of a wider campaign to educate individuals about aural care, and the importance of finding properly trained clinicians to ensure individuals receive the highest form of care.

People are increasingly turning to private providers for these services.

Many providers lack the experience, skills or training needed, which AIHHP believes could put patients
at risk of infection or permanent damage to their hearing.

Professional earwax services typically cost around £80. To find a qualified clinician near you, visit blockedears.co.uk