Wax Management

Earwax Removal in Tasmania & Melbourne
At Eastern Audiology we only ever use gentle ear wax removal methods, such as microsuction and curette removal. No syringing required.

Personal Wax Management

Ear wax is completely natural. It’s designed to protect and moisturise the skin of your ear canal and has soothing, antibacterial properties. It also traps dust and dirt to stop it travelling further into your ear.

Ear wax normally works its own way to the outer ear and gets washed away in the shower. When there is a build-up of ear wax, your ear finds it hard to ‘self-clean’ and will need some help.

Ear wax can build up for a number of reasons. It’s common to have a build-up if you have narrow ear canals or use hearing aids/ear plugs; it also happens more as we get older and the wax and skin become drier. In these situations the wax can’t work its way to the outer ear, which means it starts to accumulate and can potentially block the ear.

For hearing aid users, a wax build-up can prevent the amplified sound reaching the eardrum, or may cause the aid to whistle (feedback).

Our gentle method of wax removal is ideal for anyone with a history of eardrum perforation, middle ear problems, previous ear surgery or discomfort with the syringing method.

Our Personal Wax Management Tips

  • Avoid the use of cotton buds. They can push ear wax deeper into your ear canal, which it can get stuck.
  • Avoid ear candles. They’re ineffective, misleading and can cause damage to your ear canal and/or ear drum.
  • Use a wax removal solution once a month. We recommend ‘Clean Ears’ or Hydrogen Peroxide 3% – both available at Eastern Audiology and selected pharmacies. Follow the instructions on the label or those provided by your audiologist.
If your problems continue, contact Eastern Audiology for specialist wax removal treatment

*Please check which type of wax removal solutions you purchase as there are several types and some not compatible with certain illnesses.

FAQ

About Ear Wax

Ear wax, also known as cerumen, is a waxy substance produced by the glands in the ear canal. It is a natural part of the ear’s self-cleaning mechanism.

Symptoms of wax build-up

Symptoms of wax build-up in the ears can include earache, hearing loss or muffled hearing, a feeling of fullness in the ear, ringing or tinnitus, dizziness, and ear infections. Some individuals may also experience itching, discharge, or a persistent cough due to the presence of excess earwax.

Risk factors for ear wax blockage

Several risk factors can contribute to earwax blockage. These include frequent use of earphones or hearing aids, the production of excessive or dry earwax, narrow or twisted ear canals, older age (as earwax becomes drier and harder to remove), and certain activities that introduce foreign objects into the ear, such as using cotton swabs or inserting small objects.

Diagnosis and treatment for ear wax blockage

Ear wax blockage is usually diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and, if necessary, additional tests. A healthcare professional such as an Audiologist can examine your ears using an otoscope, a handheld instrument with a light. They will look for signs of ear wax blockage, such as visible wax or obstruction of the ear canal. In some cases, they may recommend additional tests, such as tympanometry or audiometry, to assess the function of the middle ear and hearing.

Preferred treatment from Audiologists includes Microsuction where the Audiologist will use a gentle suction device to remove the ear wax. This method is especially useful for individuals with sensitive ears or those who have had previous ear surgeries.

Treatment for ear wax build-up

Treatment for ear wax build-up typically involves methods to remove or soften the wax. Our Audiologists’ preferred treatment options are:

  1. Over-the-counter ear drops: Ear drops, such as carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide solutions, can be used to soften the wax and facilitate its removal. Follow the instructions provided with the ear drops and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.
  2. Manual removal: Healthcare professionals, such as doctors or ENT specialists, may use specialized instruments like curettes or suction devices to manually remove the ear wax. This method should not be attempted at home, as improper techniques or tools can damage the ear canal or eardrum.
  3. Microsuction: This procedure involves using a suction device to remove the ear wax. It is commonly performed by healthcare professionals and is effective for removing stubborn or impacted wax.

It’s important to note that if you experience severe pain, sudden hearing loss, persistent symptoms, or have a history of ear problems, it is recommended to seek medical attention from an Audiologist for proper evaluation and treatment.

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We are a highly skilled and dedicated team of independent audiology experts. Our modern, state-of-the-art clinics can be found in Richmond & Narre Warren in Victoria and Bellerive in Tasmania providing quality hearing services to the Melbourne Metropolitan, Southeast Melbourne, Greater Hobart, Eastern Shore and South East areas of Tasmania.


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