The Benefits of Ear Cleaning Before a Hearing Test
Preparing for a hearing test? It’s a good idea to clean your ears before heading to the appointment. While earwax is a normal part of ear health, it can affect the results of your test when too much accumulates. Cleaning your ears beforehand ensures you’re getting a more accurate diagnosis. This simple step can make a significant difference in the quality of your hearing test results, providing a clearer picture of your hearing health.
What Happens When Earwax Builds Up?
Cerumen, commonly known as earwax, is a substance produced by the glands in the ears, whose function is to protect the skin of the external auditory canal from damage caused by water, trauma, foreign bodies, infections, etc. Earwax serves a protective purpose, but when it builds up too much, it can cause problems. It might block your ear canal, leading to muffled hearing, a sense of fullness, or even tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Keeping your ears clean can help prevent these issues. Excessive earwax can also lead to discomfort and even pain, making it essential to manage earwax buildup effectively.
Why Does Earwax Build Up?
There are a number of reasons why earwax can accumulate. Using cotton swabs might push the wax deeper into your ear, causing a blockage. The shape of your ear or frequently using headphones can also contribute to earwax buildup. The normal aging process can also be a risk factor. Older people produce harder, less lubricated earwax, which, along with changes and damage to the skin lining the ear, leads to a decreased ability to expel earwax from the ear.
What Are the Symptoms of Impacted Earwax?
If your earis blocked with earwax, you may notice:
· Hearing loss: A reduction in hearing ability, making sounds seem muffled or distant.
· Feeling of fullness: A sensation of fullness or pressure in the ear.
· Itching: Persistent itching inside the ear canal.
· Buzzing sound: A buzzing or ringing sound in the ear, also known as tinnitus.
· Dizziness: In more severe cases, blocked earwax can cause dizziness or a sense of imbalance.
· Discomfort: General discomfort or pain in the ear.
These symptoms can interfere with daily activities and highlight the importance of regular ear cleaning to maintain ear health and prevent complications.
Should You Clean Your Ears Yourself?
While it’s tempting to clean your ears at home with cotton swabs, it’s not always a goodidea. Swabs can push wax deeper into your ear, making the problem worse. It'ssafer to consult with an audiologist for professional cleaning. Audiologists have the tools and expertise to remove earwax safely and effectively, reducingthe risk of complications.
How Do Audiologists Clean Earwax?
Audiologists often use microsuction ear wax removal to safely remove earwax. This method uses suction to gently pull the wax out without water, minimising any risk of infection or ear canal damage. It’s a precise method used by specialists in areas like Richmond, Footscray, and Surrey Hills and in the ear cleaning clinics like earLAB. Microsuction is considered one of the safest and most effective ways to manage earwax buildup.
How to Prevent Earwax Buildup?
To keep earwax from building up, avoid inserting anything into your ear canal. Gently clean the outer ear with a damp cloth. If you’re ever in doubt about your ear health, an audiologist can offer advice and perform a professional cleaning.Regular check-ups with an audiologist can help maintain ear health and preventissues related to earwax buildup.
If you’rein Melbourne, visit earLAB clinics in Richmond or Footscray. Our team of experts can assist with earwax removal and hearing assessments to keep your hearing in top shape. Ensuring your ears are clean before a hearing test can make a significant difference in the accuracy and comfort of the test.