Why To Consult An ENT For Earwax Removal

Any person experiencing ear blockage or reduced hearing in one or both ears or suspecting a build up of wax, also known as cerumen, should consult an ENT specialist. 

Ear wax is a very common issue, a physiological condition that is taken very easily by everyone. The various methods used by a person to remove the wax include the usage of earbuds, sharp instruments like safety pins or teeth picks, and random ear drops. Nobody should use this method to remove wax.

Ear canal, which is also called the external auditory meatus, is different in every person and, if manipulated in any way, may lead to damage and introduction of infection into the ear, leading to pain and other complications.

While removing wax, if the instruments used by the person injure the eardrum, there are high chances of creating a hole into it, called perforation. This might happen as the distance from the entry into the ear to the eardrum is different in every person and cannot be estimated without proper visualization, and the instrument might cause trauma.

An ENT specialist first examines the ear for confirmation of the presence of wax and then prescribes the needed ear drops to soften it before removing it directly. Without the confirmation of the presence of wax, if wax solvents are used, it might again cause irritation and damage to the ear canal and eardrum.

Depending on the amount and type of wax present, the mode of removal is decided by the treating ENT. It might include suction cleaning, syringing, or removal by instrumentation. As we have two types of wax, i.e., dry and wet wax, the method of removal varies.

Please visit your ENT before taking any step by yourself towards wax cleaning, as once the eardrum is damaged, it might cause serious effects, which might lead to a hole in the eardrum, reduced hearing, and many more.