Take these steps to avoid impacted ear wax.
As you get older, it is more likely that you can experience impacted ear wax. Ear wax usually drains out of your ears by itself, especially when you take a shower. However, if you have dry ear wax, the natural draining process might become harder. How can you prevent impacted ear wax? Follow these tips.
Keep your Ears Clean
The best way to prevent impacted ear wax is to keep your ears clean. If you have decent motor control skills and wet ear wax, then using a Q-tip will be okay. Otherwise, using a Q-tip will only push the ear wax further into your ear canal, compacting it and causing conductive hearing loss.
The best way to keep your ears clean is to wipe them with a towel or cloth during or after a shower when the outer ears become wet.
Clean Your Ears After Wearing Earplugs, Earbuds, or Hearing Aids
Putting anything in your ears for a prolonged time can impact your ear wax. Even if you have wet ear wax, your ears can feel wet and sticky after wearing earplugs, earbuds, or hearing aids for over an hour. If your ears are prone to ear wax compaction, it is best to avoid putting things in your ears if you can or cleaning your ears directly afterward.
Use Ear Drops If You Have Dry Ears
If you have dry ears, a bit of hot shower water might not be enough to keep them from compacting. To keep your ears clear, try using ear drops to soften ear wax, making it easy to clean out. Ear candles and some other methods are not a good idea, but a drop or two of olive oil or another liquid can do wonders.
Schedule Routine Ear Cleaning
Sometimes, it is just easier to leave healthcare to the professionals. At Clarity Audiology, you can schedule routine ear cleaning appointments that will only take a couple of minutes to complete. We use ear irrigation to flush out your ears painlessly.
Trust the Experts at Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions
Need help with your hearing? Clarity Hearing can help. Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions is an independently owned and operated clinic that focuses on quality of care and personalized, friendly service to the surrounding areas of Ellicott City, Catonsville, Columbia. Our Doctors of Audiology are highly trained with advanced degrees and take the time to provide the personalized care and attention that you need and deserve. We provide advanced hearing aid options that are personally calibrated with cutting-edge digital technology to fit your hearing loss, your unique ear anatomy, and your individual listening needs.
You can call us today to schedule a FREE Hearing Protection Consultation at 410-698-6594! For more blog posts, news, and updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.