WHY IS PROFESSIONAL EAR WAX REMOVAL NECESSARY?

Why You Might Need Professional Ear Wax Removal

Have you ever experienced dizziness, ear pain, itchy ears, reduced hearing and/or pressure in the ear canal? If you have experienced any of these symptoms, you may benefit from professional ear wax management. This is referred to as cerumen management by hearing care professionals. While some individuals can benefit from using wax removal kits, a consultation with a professional is recommended to ensure it is safe or is the best course of treatment for you. The use of cotton swobs, bobby pins, keys, or other small items should always be avoided, they have the potential to move wax deeper into the ear canal, which can lead to wax impaction or even harm the delicate ear structures. 

But don’t worry, ear wax is completely normal. Everyone has ear wax, it is produced by glands in your ear canal to help trap dust and protect your ears from potential damages. The issue here isn’t ear wax itself, but the quantity and buildup of ear wax. While we all produce ear wax, some of us produce a lot more than others.

Do you need our ear wax removal services? We currently have a select number of locations with providers certified in cerumen management, however appointments are limited at this time. Contact your local clinic to find out if a provider is available, if not we recommend contacting your family doctor or public health provider to get the care you need.

a young girl getting earwax removed
A woman adjusting her hearing aid

WHERE TO GET YOUR EARS CLEANED IN BRITISH COLUMBIA

Ear Wax Removal & Ear Wax Cleaning in BC

At NexGen Hearing, we are here to help with all things that relate to your hearing health. We currently have certified ear wax management providers at select locations only. Whether you’re concerned about possible ear damage from past ear cleaning experiences or simply looking for an ear wax removal check up, we can help.

Ear wax removal procedures are known to often improve hearing from excessive wax build ups. If you feel as though your ear canal is blocked, itchy or pressured, you should address the situation as soon as possible. To book an appointment for ear wax removal services with an available certified provider please call your local clinic to confirm service availability. Or let us know how we can connect you to a participating location nearest you.

For your safety the clinician will review your ear health before proceeding with treatment. You should visit your primary care provider or otolaryngologist (ENT) if you have any of the following: history of earache; ear surgery; ear drainage; heart condition; use blood thinners; daily use of aspirin; diabetes; temporal bone fracture; outer or middle ear infections; perforation (hole) in the eardrum; or any other condition placing either of us at risk if exposed to blood.

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Learn More about the Possible Causes of Hearing Loss

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Occupational Hearing Loss​

Every day in workplaces in Canada, workers are
exposed to levels of noise which can cause
permanent hearing damage.
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Hearing Loss Solutions

NexGen Hearing clinics in BC specialize
in assessing hearing loss and finding
solutions.
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Nexgen Hearing Earwax Removal Services

Different Earwax Removal Methods

Methods for Removing Earwax

Manual Earwax Removal

Manual earwax removal involves the use of specialized instruments to remove earwax from the inner and outer parts of the ear canal. This method is particularly helpful when the ear wax is quite solid/dense and deep. When getting an earwax removal service, it’s common to have a combination of the manual method along with other techniques as well.

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Water Irrigation / Ear Syringing

The ear irrigation method for earwax removal involves injecting water into the ear via an irrigator. The irrigator controls the pressure of the water being sprayed directly into the ear and helps loosen, soften, and dislodge impacted ear wax to help flush it out of the ear.

Microsuction Ear Wax Removal

Microsuction, otherwise referred to as ear vacuuming, is the most common technique used for earwax removal procedures. The procedure involves a nozzle that’s gently inserted into the ear so that the build up of ear wax can be siphoned out using a miniature vacuum instrument. The process is simple, quick, and can also be used to remove foreign bodies that are present in the ear canal.

ANSWERS ABOUT HEARING AIDS AND MORE

Frequently Asked Questions

Ear wax is a completely normal and natural occurrence in our ear canals. Usually, our ear wax removes itself on its own. However, sometimes your ear produces wax faster than it can get rid of it. This can cause a buildup or become impacted which can lead to temporary hearing loss. Having your ear wax removed by a professional is your best chance of treating your temporary hearing loss without injuring yourself or making the issue worse.
This depends on how much ear wax your body produces. In some cases, people might produce ear wax faster than their bodies can remove it. This causes the ear wax to build up and leads to a form of temporary hearing loss. We do not recommend frequent professional ear wax removals since ear wax is good for your ear health. If you book an appointment with one of our audiologists, they’ll be able to recommend a treatment plan based on their assessment of your ears.
Ear wax removal should not be painful. It may be a slightly uncomfortable experience since most people are not used to the sensation or sound of the irrigator, but it should not cause you any pain. Our audiologists at NexGen take the time and care needed to perform ear wax removals safely and efficiently. They will take the time to explain each step to ensure you’re as comfortable as possible throughout the entire process.
For your safety, the clinician will review your ear health before proceeding with treatment. During an ear removal appointment at NexGen Hearing, our certified cerumen removal professional begins with a visual inspection of your ear canal using an Otoscope. If necessary, ear wax removal drops may be used to help soften the wax. A handheld irrigator is then used to spray warm water into your ear to flush out any wax. If there’s any wax remaining, the audiologist will use a lighted ear curette to gently scrape out any additional wax. If there is any wax buildup in your hearing aids, this can be dealt with during your appointment as well.

Although cotton swabs can be effective at removing some earwax, they typically have the opposite effect – by pushing wax deeper into the ear. There are a variety of ear wax removal kits and tools available that will be safer than cotton swabs and provide better results. However, your best bet is to have a professional earwax removal if you’re worried about the build up of earwax.

No. An earwax removal procedure should not cause any pain. If the removal method involves water, it may cause an unusual sensation, but you will not experience any pain.

Ear wax, or cerumen, is a natural secretion that is good for your ears. However, too much ear wax can threaten the health of your ears. The following are symptoms of ear wax buildup:

 

  • Hearing loss
  • A sensation of stuffiness or fullness in your ear canal
  • Ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
  • Persistent itching or discharge

 

If you’re experiencing any of the above *symptoms. Book an appointment at one of our hearing clinics in BC to be evaluated by a NexGen audiologist.

 

*You should visit your primary care provider or otolaryngologist (ENT) if you have any of the following: history of earache; ear surgery; ear drainage; heart condition; use blood thinners; daily use of aspirin; diabetes; temporal bone fracture; outer or middle ear infections; perforation (hole) in the eardrum; or any other condition placing either of us at risk if exposed to blood.