What is earwax?
Earwax forms when excretions from glands in the ear canal mix with skin cells. It is a normal
substance and it is therefore normal to have earwax!
Do earwax have to be removed from my ear canal?
The body will automatically get rid of earwax by moving it to the entrance of the ear canal.
However there are times when earwax should be removed, for example sometimes before a
hearing test is performed, if the wax will effect the fitting of hearing aids or if earwax keep
blocking hearing aids.
Can I remove my own earwax?
Some methods of earwax removal can be harmful. The use of earbuds or other instruments
are not recommended as they can cause harm to the ear canal or eardrum. Often earbuds
will push wax deeper into the ear canal and then it becomes more difficult to remove. The
use of ear candles are not recommended. There is no evidence that they remove wax and
can cause damage to the ear canal or eardrum (Clinical practice guideline of the American
Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery)
What should I do it I think I have earwax?
Every patient that is seen in this practice for the first time will undergo an otoscopic
inspection- in effect the Audiologist will look in your ears. This is also typically done at
routine follow up visits. Any recommendations for earwax removal will be made at that time.
Earwax and hearing aids
Because hearing aids can potentially prevent the normal process of earwax working itself out
of the ear canal, hearing aid users sometimes struggle with wax build up. However, this is
not true for everybody. Some people produce almost no earwax while others produce a lot.
It is therefore imperative that you follow the audiologist’s guidelines on how to clean your
hearing aids. At this practice patients are counselled in detail on how to manage any wax
related problems and when appropriate the audiologist will assist in removing the wax from
your devices. If you need hearing aids and know that you produce excessive amounts of
wax, mention this to the audiologist when you discuss the selection of new hearing aids.
She will be able to advise you on which designs are less prone to wax damage.
CONTACT DETAILS
(E) admin@blouberghearing.co.za
(T) 021 556 9265
(F) 086 510 6648
ADDRESS
Baymed Centre
88 Arum Road
Table View, 7441