Are you at the crossroads of getting your ears professionally cleaned? Would you rather do it yourself instead of booking an appointment at your local audiology clinic and just sitting (or lying) on the chair while feeling like you’re inside an ear spa? Here’s what you need to know.

In most cases, ear wax is harmless, and in fact, even has beneficial properties to protect and lubricate the ears. Ear wax is a natural body secretion and several tests have shown that ear wax contains antifungal and antibacterial properties. However, excessive ear wax is unhealthy and has to be treated.

An excessive amount of wax can impair hearing and create a blockage. This is when you would need to get your ears professionally cleaned.

Link Audiology has audiologists providing professional ear wax removal in Washington.

Why does impacted ear wax occur?

Hearing problems like hearing loss, tinnitus, ear infections, etc. may result from excessive earwax buildup in the ear canal.  As audiologists, we constantly caution our patients about using cotton buds and other tiny, sharp things to clean their ears. 

If you believe that your ears may use some thorough cleaning, it is preferable to get them cleaned by a professional rather than jeopardize your hearing by attempting to remove the gunk yourself.

What happens during professional ear cleaning?

During professional ear cleaning, an audiologist cleans out the wax and dirt from your ears. Special tools are used to ensure that your ears are safe.

  • Checking Your Ears: The doctor first looks inside your ears with a tool called an otoscope. This helps them see if there’s too much wax or anything blocking your ears.
  • Softening the Wax: If the wax is hard, they might use drops to make it softer. This helps them remove the wax more easily.
  • Cleaning the Ears: They might use a tiny tool like a scoop or suction to gently take out the wax. Sometimes, they use a spray of warm water to flush out the wax.
  • Final Check: After cleaning, the audiologist checks your ears again to make sure they are clean and healthy.

Professional ear cleaning is safe and doesn’t usually hurt. It helps you hear better and keeps your ears healthy!

How often should I get my ears professionally cleaned?

There isn’t really a defined plan for how often the ears should be cleaned because ear wax production varies from person to person. It is advised to get your ears professionally cleaned every six to twelve months on average.

Is it safe to use hydrogen peroxide in the ear?

Using hydrogen peroxide in your ears can be safe if done correctly, but it depends on the situation. Hydrogen peroxide is often used to soften earwax so it can come out more easily. However, there are some things you should know:

When It Might Be Safe:

  • For ear wax removal: A few drops of hydrogen peroxide mixed with water can help soften wax.
  • Follow directions: Always use a solution made for ears, and follow the instructions carefully.

When It’s Not Safe:

  • If you have an ear infection: Using hydrogen peroxide might irritate your ear and make things worse.
  • If you have a hole in your eardrum: Hydrogen peroxide can cause pain or damage if it goes past the eardrum.
  • If your ears hurt or are very sensitive: Avoid using anything in your ears without talking to an audiologist.

Why is having your ears cleaned by a professional helpful?

If you wish to keep your ears healthy, you must get professional ear cleanings. Throughout this process, audiologists also have the ability to assess the general health of your ears and provide any required treatment or advice to keep them in good shape.

A professional cleaning eliminates the possibility of accidentally damaging or puncturing your eardrums. The sensitive nature of the ears makes it possible for one mistake to have severe consequences, including hearing loss. You may have peace of mind while getting clean ears with expert ear cleaning. 

Professional Ear Wax Removal in Washington

Link Audiology provides professional ear cleaning and ear wax removal in Silverdale, WA, Vashon, WA, and University Place, WA.
Contact us today to book an appointment!