Could your dizziness or tinnitus be due to impacted earwax? Here’s when earwax can get problematic.
Earwax is our friend, helping to flush out dirt, dust, and debris from our ears daily. It also prevents insects from crawling inside our ear canals, a very welcome benefit! Earwax keeps our ears clean and lubricated, but it can become a problem when too much builds up. When is earwax a problem? Don’t ignore the signs of impacted earwax.
Impacted Earwax: The Symptoms
Impacted earwax can be more detrimental to one’s health than one might think. When too much earwax builds up, it can result in trouble hearing at the very least. However, more problems can result. They are the following:
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Vertigo
- Ear infections
- Earache
- Itchiness in or around the ear
Earwax buildup can harbor germs, cause a ringing or whistling sound in the ears, or cause a loss of balance. These symptoms can be due to a more serious condition, so it is best to study your symptoms and health and visit a primary care physician or audiologist to determine your case. If the cause of your ear problems is impacted earwax, they are fairly easy to resolve.
How to Perform Earwax Removal
You can start by trying to soften the earwax at home so that it can flow out on its own. The most common way is to use earwax removal drops, which you can buy over the counter. These contain oil, such as olive or almond oil. Another method would be to expose your ears to steam, such as in a shower. Be careful not to get a burn from steam!
If at-home methods do not work after several days, it is time to contact a primary care physician or your local audiologist. They have specialized tools that can help you remove the earwax safely. These methods include ear irrigation, aural toilet, and microsuction.
Need to See an Audiologist?
If you need to see a specialist for earwax removal, Clarity Audiology is available in Baltimore, MD. Whether you need simple earwax removal, a hearing test, new hearing aids, or treatment for a balance disorder or tinnitus, we are here for you.
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.