Ear wax is produced by all of us and naturally migrates out of the ear canal. It is normal to have some ear wax pass out of the ear canal. However, sometimes it can build up and block the ears. When the wax becomes “impacted” it can cause a conductive hearing loss — this is when the sound cannot reach the inner ear to vibrate the eardrum. It is very unusual for it to cause discomfort or pain, but wax can become infected, which may in turn cause a painful ear.
Ear wax colour and consistency varies between individuals, and people who produce drier or thicker wax are more likely to suffer with a build-up. Some patients have smaller or narrower ear canals which prevent the wax migrating out of the ear so easily. Ear plugs, hearing aids and cotton buds also prevent wax migrating out of the ear and can compress the wax deeper in the canal (this is particularly true for cotton buds, which should never be inserted into your ear).
Treating ear wax
If wax is not impacted, it can be left to migrate out of the ear canal itself. If it is impacted or causing a blockage, there are a number of options to try and treat the wax:
- Olive oil ear drops are very effective at softening wax, allowing it to pass naturally or softening it in preparation for microsuction. This is less effective if there is a large amount of impacted wax pushed deep into the canal.
- Sodium bicarbonate drops are very effective at softening wax, but should be used before microsuction so any residual fluid can be removed, rather than as a sole treatment with the fluid left in the canal.
- Syringing involves washing wax out of the ear with water and is very effective. However, it cannot be used for patients with perforations, those who have had previous ear surgery, patients with grommets inserted, or patients who suffer with recurrent ear infections.
- Microsuction and aural toilet (using instruments to clean the ear canal) are the best treatments for removing ear wax. Using a microscope, wax is removed with fine suction or small instruments, taking care not to damage the canal or eardrum. The suction can be noisy, but microsuction and aural toilet are not painful.
- Occasionally wax needs to be softened before and after treatment, as impacted wax can be very difficult to remove and repeat treatments are necessary. If you suffer from recurrent build-up of wax or debris in your ears, regular microsuction or aural toilet may be recommended.
If you suffer with wax impaction or recurrent build-up of debris in your ear and would like to enquire about microsuction and aural toilet, please contact the Practice Management Team for further information.
If you would like to book an appointment to discuss your symptoms, please get in touch with our Practice Management Team by telephone on 01233 564455 or by email at info@kentandsussexent.com.