Risk of Removing Earwax at Home

Earwax is a natural part of ear health and most of us experience earwax build-up from time to time. When it comes to clearing earwax, reaching for a cotton wool bud is not the safest bet. There have been cases where the earwax is improperly removed with cotton sticks or hair pins or pens, which can then cause damage to the ear canal or even rupture the eardrum.

Using certain items in an attempt to relieve itching or remove earwax can cause the build up to become worse. Some of these items include: Q-tips or cotton swabs, napkin corners, keys and bobby pins.

When you stick a foreign object in your ear, you risk pushing the earwax further into your ear or damaging your eardrum and ear canal. These outcomes can lead to serious complications. Consult with a therapist if you suspect any of these things happened to your ear. It’s not always possible to know if you have excessive earwax without a earwax removal therapist looking into your ears.

Excessive earwax can actually damage your delicate eardrum or ear canal easily. Therefore, don’t attempt to remove the earwax yourself by placing objects in your ears, particularly if you: have a perforation (hole) in your eardrum, have had ear surgery or if you are having ear drainage or pain. Individuals should only clean or remove earwax from their ears with the help of a earwax removal specialist.

The removal of earwax impaction can be a simple procedure, but if done wrong can have serious consequences to one’s hearing. This is why you shouldn’t attempt it at home using foreign objects and you should always seek professional help from your nearest Audiologist or Ear Wax Removal Specialist.

If you suspect you have earwax build up or blockage, visit Pinder Hearing Care Clinic in Burnside or Shawlands for a consultation. Same Day Bookings are available. Book Online for your convenience.