Audiologists and other medical professionals refer to earwax as Cerumen. It is a mixture of bodily excretions including sebum, which is a light yellow, oily substance secreted by glands.  It help keep the skin and hair moisturised, and protects from sweat, dead cells and other particles, such as dust, which may have made their way into your ears.

It’s not pleasant, but necessary. Ear wax is actually a sign of a healthy ear. Ear wax is an antibacterial and antifungal natural produced fluid that reduces the risk of ear infections by providing a protective lubricant layer over the ear canal.

The cells in your ear canal slowly shuffle from the ear drum out to the external part of the ear, carrying with it ear wax and other dirt or debris. Moving your jaw helps this natural process and leaving it to do what it needs to achieve means whatever is in your ear should migrate slowly out of the ear canal on its own.

Are using cotton buds a good idea? Cotton buds disrupt the natural migration of earwax out of the ear. If a cotton bud is pushed too far it can cause blockages rather than effective cleaning, perforated ear drums which is quite painful and/or reduced hearing. Cotton buds can be safe and effective for a gentle clean around the opening of the ears, but not deep in your ear.

The ear’s ability to naturally clean itself is quite convenient, however sometimes intervention may be required. Audiologists and ENT’s along with other hearing professionals can clean ears professionally. People who should consider a professional assistance in this area are:

1. People who have pushed wax in too far, deep into their ear when cleaning – this can prevent earwax from coming out, causing a blocked sensation and can affect your ability to hear clearly.
2. If you wear hearing aids or frequently use earplugs or music earbuds – wearing an ear mould or dome with your hearing aid will block any earwax from naturally clearing. This is because you are constantly pushing wax back into your ear.
3. People with impacted or who naturally create excessive amounts of ear wax
4. You have narrow ear canals – Some people just have small, narrow ear canals. Then there is ‘Surfer’s ear’ or exostosis. This is when the bone of the ear canal slowly grows and narrows the ear canal. The narrower the ear canal, the easier it can get blocked with ear wax.

Symptoms of impacted earwax are hearing loss, an earache, a sense of ear fullness a blocked feeling, itchiness in the ear, dizziness, vertigo, ringing in the ear and even coughing.

True Hearing offer professional ear cleaning and are trained in cerumen (ear wax) management. True Hearing offer micro suction ear cleaning and is the safest and most comfortable method of ear wax removal. The ear canal is observed throughout the cleaning process, making it an exceptionally safe procedure. It is also a more comfortable process than traditional water irrigation.

In most cases wax can be entirely removed during an appointment, however there are instances where this may not be possible and a subsequent appointment is necessary.

How clean are our ears? Call True Hearing to enquire or to make an appointment 03 9889 4915.