Earwax Removal
What is Earwax?
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.
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Symptoms of a cerumen blockage include:
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Earache
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Tinnitus (Noise in the ear)
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Hearing Loss
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Ear Pressure
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If a blockage occurs, it may need to be removed. This should be done by an audiologist or at an ear, not & throat physician's office depending on the severity of the impaction.
Removal at your doctor's office
If the earwax blockage is more significant, it may need to be removed in your doctor’s office. Doctors typically use one of two methods to remove earwax: irrigation or curettage.
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The most common method is curettage, which involves the use of a curette. A curette is a long, curved tool that is used along with suction to gently remove cerumen from the ear canal, removing the blockage.
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Irrigation is the less common method your doctor will use to remove blockages. Unlike at-home ear wax removal kids, your doctor may use stronger ear wax removal medications in conjunction with irrigation.
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If you experience pain or discomfort as a result of earwax, or suspect you have a blockage, it’s important that you see your doctor as soon as possible to address the issue. Removing earwax doesn’t have to be painful and should bring you relief.