How do you know if you need ear wax removal?

Ear wax is natural for all of us, and most of the time, we don’t have to do anything with it! It is naturally occurring and doesn’t require much maintenance – unless, of course, a buildup of ear wax occurs.

This is often more common in some people compared to others, which is why there is contradicting information out there when it comes to whether or not ear wax should be removed.

Although you should ideally allow ear wax to fall out naturally, in some cases, ear wax can accumulate and cause problems if not safely and properly removed. This is where Welling Ear Wax Clinic our Bexley ear wax clinic comes in.

In this blog article, we’ll explore ear wax and how to know if you require ear wax removal.

So, without further ado, let’s jump right into it.

What is ear wax?

Also known as cerumen, this waxy oil is produced by the glands in your ear canal and usually falls out by itself. Ear wax is naturally produced inside the ears to keep them clean, protecting them against germs, debris, and other particles that could enter the ear and damage it.

In fact, ear wax has two main functions:

Stopping bacteria, germs, and small objects from entering the ear canal
Cleaning and lubricating the skin of the ear canal, keeping it moisturised

On the one hand, it is possible that excessive amounts of ear wax could be produced and accumulated in the ear, unable to be excreted naturally. Attempting to clean the ear yourself, particularly with a cotton bud (not recommended), can potentially push the ear wax further into the ear and block the ear canal.

This is called ear wax blockage or cerumen impaction.

Ear wax build up

Ear wax build-up As ear wax is a naturally occurring substance, there is no need to worry about it too much. However, there is a possibility that instead of falling out, ear wax might collect and harden in your ears, causing a blockage. Some individuals naturally produce more ear wax than others, which can be frustrating to deal with. People who could be especially susceptible to ear wax build-up include those who:

Are over a certain age (usually 55)
Have abnormal ear canals
Wear earbuds, earplugs, or hearing aids
Have more ear hair
Have skin conditions such as eczema
Use cotton buds to clean their ears

However, it is also important to keep in mind that ear wax build-up can happen to anyone.

How do you know if you have ear wax build up?

The signs and symptoms of ear wax build-up can vary from one individual to the next. However, the following are some of the possible signs that you might be suffering from ear wax build-up:

Earache
Dizziness
Hearing loss
Ear itchiness
Discharge or odour from ears
Tinnitus (ringing in ears)
Feeling of fullness in ears

If you begin to experience any of the above, it is crucial that you speak to your GP or medical professional as soon as possible. To prevent the problem from worsening, you should immediately take action.

Do I need ear wax removal?

If you suspect that you have ear wax build-up, a visit to your doctor is a must. If ear wax hardens and becomes stuck in your ear, you will be left with an impaction that could require professional intervention. It is also possible to develop ear infections as a result of ear wax build-up, which makes it even more important to consult an ear specialist when it comes to ear wax removal.

Aside from the symptoms mentioned previously, you should also be on the lookout for more serious signs, such as:

Darker ear wax
Sudden hearing loss
Sharp pain inside your ear
Clogged ears
Fever with coughing

The above symptoms could indicate that you might have an ear infection or another serious condition that requires professional assistance. Do not attempt to remove your ear wax at home!

Can I treat ear wax build up at home?

Microsuction is an excellent method for removing ear wax, and one that we specialise in here at Welling Ear Wax Clinic. Microsuction for ear wax removal offers a number of benefits that other methods miss out on, and is considered to be one of, if not the safest ear wax removal method.

Microsuction is even suitable for individuals who have:

A mild outer ear infection (otitis externa)
A ruptured eardrum
Foreign particles in the ear
Had previous ear surgeries

Here at Welling Ear Wax Clinic, our microsuction services are delivered by trained and licensed professionals, offering a personalised experience that caters to your specific needs and requirements.

If you require safe, effective, and professional ear wax removal, Welling Ear Wax Clinic has got you covered.

Microsuction ear wax removal

A mild outer ear infection (otitis externa)
A ruptured eardrum
Foreign particles in the ear
Had previous ear surgeries

Here at Welling Ear Wax Clinic, our microsuction services are delivered by trained and licensed professionals, offering a personalised experience that caters to your specific needs and requirements.

If you require safe, effective, and professional ear wax removal, Welling Ear Wax Clinic has got you covered.

Remove ear wax build-up at a reputable ear wax clinic like Welling Ear Wax Clinic

At Welling Ear Wax Clinic, we provide ear wax removal solutions to aid with breaking down and removing ear wax build-up. If you believe that you might be experiencing ear wax build-up and require ear wax removal services, you don’t need to look further than a reputable specialist clinic like ours, even if you’re simply asking for a bit of advice at first.

Please feel free to book an appointment at our clinic today, in order to benefit from excellent ear wax removal services at your convenience. And if you would like more information or if you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Welling Ear Wax Clinic team via phone or email.