Cerumen, also known as earwax, is naturally produced by the glands in the ears to lubricate the ear canals and keep dust and debris from getting too far down in the ear canal.
Cerumen typically clears itself from the ears, but in some instances can accumulate and cause a blockage.
Symptoms of a cerumen blockage include:
- Earache
- Tinnitus (noise in the ear)
- Hearing loss
- Ear pressure
If a blockage occurs, it may need to be removed. This can be done at our office.
Removal at our Office
If you experience pain or discomfort as a result of earwax, or suspect you have a blockage, it’s important to see us soon to address the issue. Removing earwax doesn’t have to be painful and should bring you relief.
How Not to Remove Earwax Buildup
People commonly use cotton swabs to try and remove earwax or dislodge a blockage. Cotton swabs are not recommended for removing earwax.
Using cotton swabs for this purpose can cause more problems as it may push the blockage further down into the ear canal, risking even more damage to the ear. Cotton swabs themselves can also be accidentally inserted too far into the ear canal and can potentially damage your ear, including the possibility of rupturing your eardrum.