Earwax Removal: When to Seek Professional Help

Most people don't think much about earwax until it becomes a problem. As audiologists, we see patients every week who are dealing with the effects of earwax buildup. The good news? Professional earwax removal can quickly and safely resolve these issues.

What Does Earwax Do For Our Ears?

That sticky substance in your ears - doctors call it cerumen - does more than you might think. Far from being just a nuisance, earwax plays several key roles in keeping your ears healthy. Think of it as your ears' personal bodyguard. It catches dust and dirt before they can cause problems, keeps your ear canals from getting too dry, and even helps keep insects away with its distinct scent.

Warning Signs That You Need Professional Earwax Removal

Your body usually gives clear signals when earwax buildup becomes a problem. Watch for these signs:

• Your hearing suddenly seems muffled
• Your ears feel stuffed or full
• You hear ringing or buzzing sounds that weren't there before
• Your ears hurt or feel uncomfortable
• You notice liquid coming from your ears
• You feel dizzy more often than usual
• Your ears seem more prone to infections lately

Any of these symptoms suggest it's time to have your ears checked by a professional.

Your Ears Are Self-Cleaning (Most of the Time)

Your ears come with their own cleaning system. Every time you talk, chew, or yawn, these jaw movements slowly push earwax toward your outer ear. For most people, this natural conveyor belt works just fine, moving old earwax and trapped debris out where it can fall away or be washed off during your shower.

When Your Ears Need Extra Help

Sometimes this self-cleaning system hits a snag. You might be someone who naturally produces more earwax - it's just how your body works. Or maybe you:

• Use hearing aids or earplugs regularly (these can trap earwax inside)
• Have especially curvy or narrow ear canals
• Find your earwax getting harder and drier as you age
• Have particularly hairy ear canals
• Use earbuds or headphones frequently for work or entertainment

All these factors can lead to earwax building up faster than your ears can clear it out.

The Problem With DIY Ear Cleaning

We know it's tempting to grab a cotton swab when your ears feel clogged. Many of our patients tell us they've tried this before coming to see us. The trouble is, cotton swabs often make things worse by:

• Pushing earwax deeper into your ear canal where it gets stuck
• Packing the wax tighter, making it harder to remove
• Potentially scratching your ear canal or even damaging your eardrum
• Creating small wounds that can lead to infections

And those ear candles you might have heard about? They're particularly dangerous, putting you at risk for burns and ear injuries without actually removing any wax.

Professional Earwax Removal at Kleckner Audiology

Excessive earwax can cause discomfort, hearing difficulties, and other complications when left untreated. At our Allentown office, we provide safe and effective earwax removal services using proven medical techniques and specialized instruments.

Our process begins with a thorough examination of your ears to evaluate the extent of earwax buildup and determine the most appropriate removal method. Using professional tools like curettes and alligator forceps, we can precisely remove excess earwax while maintaining clear visualization throughout the procedure.

Dr. Peter Kleckner, Au.D. brings extensive training and expertise in earwax removal. Our careful approach prioritizes your comfort and safety during the entire process, using gentle techniques that effectively clear blockages without risking damage to the delicate structures of your ear.

Why Professional Removal Makes a Difference

Choosing professional earwax removal offers clear advantages:

1. We can spot other ear health issues during the examination
2. Our techniques prevent damage to your ear canal and eardrum
3. You'll often feel relief right away
4. We can prevent complications before they start
5. You'll get personalized advice about your ear health
6. The procedure is typically quick and comfortable

What to Expect After Removal

Once we've cleared the excess wax, many patients notice immediate improvements:

• Sounds become clearer and brighter
• That plugged-up feeling disappears
• Ear discomfort fades away
• If you wear hearing aids, they often work better
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) may decrease if it was wax-related
• Your ears feel more comfortable overall

Smart Ways to Prevent Wax Buildup

While you can't stop your ears from making wax, you can take steps to prevent problematic buildup:

• Skip the cotton swabs - they do more harm than good
• Pat your ears dry after swimming or showering instead of pushing things inside
• If you know you're prone to wax buildup, schedule regular check-ups
• For hearing aid users, clean your devices daily as directed
• Keep earbuds clean and don't share them with others

Extra Care for Hearing Aid Users

If you wear hearing aids, you need to pay special attention to earwax. Here's why:

• Wax can clog your hearing aids' speakers and microphones
• Buildup often causes whistling or feedback
• Your hearing aids might not fit as well when wax accumulates
• The sound quality can suffer
• Your devices might need more frequent repairs

We recommend regular professional cleaning for both your ears and hearing aids to keep everything working properly.

Taking Care of Your Ears Between Visits

Between professional cleanings, follow these guidelines:

• Clean the outer part of your ear with a soft cloth
• Keep water out of your ears when swimming or bathing
• Watch for any changes in how well you're hearing
• Pay attention to new ear discomfort or fullness
• If you wear hearing aids, follow your cleaning routine faithfully

Let's Get Your Ears Checked

If you're experiencing fullness in your ears, muffled hearing, or other symptoms of earwax buildup, consider getting your ears checked! Our experienced team will assess your needs and provide appropriate care to help restore your ear health and comfort.

Ready to breathe a sigh of relief? Our experienced team at Kleckner Audiology provides gentle, effective earwax removal right here in Allentown. Whether you're experiencing symptoms or just want to maintain good ear health, we're here to help. You can reach us at 610-435-8299 to set up an appointment that fits your schedule. We welcome patients Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, at our office on College Heights Boulevard.