Earwax protects the outer ear canal from foreign objects like dirt, bacteria, and other harmful agents getting inside and damaging the inner ear. It has plenty of positives, but too much earwax can be detrimental to your hearing – and your overall health.

If you have too much earwax, it can get impacted and block your ears. Symptoms of excess earwax can include itchiness, tinnitus, a consistent feeling of plugged ears, and in some cases, hearing loss. If you’re having any of these symptoms, then perhaps a professional ear cleaning and earwax removal is needed.

How Can I Remove Earwax?

Almost 12 million Americans get treated for excess earwax each year – it’s nothing to be ashamed of!

There’s plenty of ways to remove earwax at home, but if you’re finding yourself with a significant hearing loss because of impacted earwax, a professional cleaning is the best way to help alleviate the issue.

Magnolia Hearing’s professional earwax removal varies for each unique patient and their needs. Eardrops that soften the earwax, irrigation with liquid to gently flush out earwax, or manual extraction are some of the methods available to help remove earwax.

If you find that you have frequent earwax buildup, a routine cleaning done once or twice a year could help improve this.

Why Can’t I Use a Cotton Swab to Clean My Ears?

Cotton swabs and other objects used to clean ears can do more harm than good. Your ear will often try to produce more earwax to protect your ear from damage from this foreign object, much like it would for dirt or debris. Cotton swabs can also push the earwax further into your ear instead of extracting it, leading to more blockage.

Some of the gentler ways to remove earwax at home include eardrops and flushing the wax out with water, but if neither of these solve the blockage or hearing loss issue, then seeking out a professional cleaning is the safest bet.

Removing earwax with professional hearing care can help you hear better and keep your ears healthy for longer!

Hoping to Hear Better in 2024?

If you’re here and realized while reading this that perhaps a professional earwax removal could help you and your hearing, look no further than Magnolia Hearing. We’re available from 9AM-5PM on weekdays at (206) 657-5675, and you can email us at [email protected]. You can also come visit us at our office.