Earwax, also known as cerumen, is naturally produced in the ear canals by glands. This protective wax acts as part of the ear's natural defense system, preventing infection due to antibacterial agents. Its moist sticky properties also trap dust, debris and foreign objects that might otherwise enter the ear.
While earwax provides essential protection, it sometimes may be the reason why you’re not hearing clearly. Let’s take a deeper look at how earwax interacts with your ears or your hearing aids, understand what a professional ear cleaning service entails, and when it is necessary to seek expert removal in Malaysia.
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Why Professional Ear Cleaning Matters for Your Ear Health?
Professional ear cleaning services are crucial for maintaining ear health. Regular ear canal cleaning and earwax removal can help prevent potential issues before they occur, as excess earwax can cause discomfort, blockages, and even infections if not managed properly. By having your ears professionally cleaned, you can ensure that earwax does not build up to problematic levels.
Unlike at-home or DIY methods for ear cleaning, which can inadvertently push wax deeper into the ear canal, our trained ear cleaning doctor or audiologist uses specialised equipment and techniques to safely and effectively remove excess earwax. This not only prevents potential damage to your delicate eardrum but also ensures your hearing aids perform optimally by eliminating blockages that can hinder sound transmission.
Understanding Earwax and When It Becomes a Problem
Earwax generally consists of:
1. Dust, debris and foreign objects
2. Old skin cells
3. Oily secretions from glands in the ear canal
Small amounts of wax in the ear canals are normal and play a vital role in keeping your ear healthy. However, large build-ups of wax can cause the ears to become blocked. Common symptoms of excessive wax include; pain, feeling of fullness, itching, buzzing noise in the ear, or even partial or complete hearing loss.
Earwax should always be removed by a professional or with the presence of a clinician to avoid long-term damage associated with DIY ear cleaning attempts.
What Causes Ear Blockage and Buildup?
Several factors can contribute to earwax blockage and buildup, affecting your hearing clarity and comfort.
- Excessive Cleaning: Paradoxically, over-cleaning your ears, especially with cotton swabs or other foreign objects, can push earwax deeper into the canal, compacting it against the eardrum and making natural expulsion difficult.
- Narrow Ear Canals: Some individuals naturally have narrower or more winding ear canals, making it harder for earwax to naturally migrate out of the ear, leading to quicker accumulation.
- Infections: Past or current ear infections can alter the ear canal's environment, sometimes leading to changes in earwax consistency or increased production.
- Ageing: As we age, earwax tends to become drier and harder, making it less likely to exit the ear canal naturally. This is why many seniors benefit from regular professional ear cleaning.
- Hearing Aid Use: While highly beneficial, wearing hearing aids can sometimes impede the natural migration of earwax, leading to a faster buildup. Regular checks are essential for hearing aid users.
- Bony Growths (Exostoses): In some cases, bony growths in the ear canal can create obstructions that trap earwax.
- Environmental Factors: Frequent exposure to dust or debris can also contribute to more rapid wax accumulation.
When to Seek Help for Earwax Problems?
Recognising signs that your earwax might be causing issues is the first step toward better hearing. You should consider seeking professional earwax removal if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Feeling of Fullness: A persistent sensation that your ear is blocked or full.
- Tinnitus: A ringing, buzzing, hissing, or other internal sound in your ear.
- Muffled Hearing: Sounds appear dull or unclear, as if you're listening through water.
- Hearing Aid Feedback: Your hearing aid consistently whistles or produces static, indicating a potential blockage impacting its performance.
- Ear Pain or Discomfort: Any persistent pain, itching, or irritation in the ear.
- Vertigo or Dizziness: In some cases, significant earwax buildup can affect balance.
- Discharge or Odor: Any unusual discharge or foul odor from the ear.
Who Should Get Professional Ear Cleaning?
Professional ear cleaning is beneficial for a wide range of individuals to maintain optimal ear health and hearing clarity. We especially recommend it for:
- Hearing Aid Users: As hearing aids sit in the ear canal, they can sometimes impede the natural expulsion of earwax, leading to faster buildup and affecting the device's performance. Regular cleaning ensures your hearing aids work effectively.
- Swimmers and Divers: Frequent water exposure can lead to moisture trapping, creating an environment conducive to wax buildup and potential infections.
- Chronic Wax Producers: Some individuals naturally produce more earwax than others, making them more prone to blockages.
- The Elderly: As mentioned, earwax tends to become drier and harder with age, increasing the likelihood of impaction.
- Individuals with Narrow or Unusual Ear Canals: Natural anatomical variations can make self-cleaning less effective.
- Those with a History of Ear Infections: Keeping the ear canals clear can help prevent recurrence.
- ENT Referrals: Patients referred by an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist for expert earwax removal.
If you fall into any of these categories or are experiencing any symptoms of buildup, a consultation with our experts is highly recommended.
How Often Should You Have Your Ears Professionally Cleaned?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer to how often you need professional ear cleaning as it depends on your individual situation and earwax production. However, to maintain optimal ear health and prevent issues, consider a professional check-up every 3 to 6 months.
For instance, if you’re a hearing aid user, scheduling regular checkups with your audiologist, which often include earwax removal as part of the hearing aid maintenance routine, can help prevent build-up and improve the performance and longevity of your devices. Individuals who are older, produce excessive or very dry earwax, or those with narrow ear canals, might also benefit from more frequent cleanings. Your ear cleaning doctor can provide a personalised recommendation after an initial assessment, ensuring you receive the right care at the ideal frequency for your unique needs.
How Our Ear Cleaning Procedure Works
At Listening Lab Malaysia, your comfort, safety, and hygiene are our top priorities during our ear cleaning service. Our procedure is designed to be thorough, efficient, and gentle, performed by our experienced ear cleaning doctor/audiologist. Here's what you can expect during your professional earwax removal appointment:
- Initial Otoscopic Examination: We begin with a visual inspection of your ear canal and eardrum using a specialised otoscope. This allows our professional to accurately assess the amount and type of earwax buildup, identify any underlying issues, and determine the most appropriate cleaning method for your specific needs. You'll even be able to see inside your own ear through our video otoscope!
- Safe and Gentle Cleaning Method: Based on the assessment, we proceed with the chosen ear cleaning method. At Listening Lab, we primarily utilise ear irrigation. This involves gently introducing warm, purified water into the ear canal to soften and flush out the earwax. This method is generally quick, comfortable, and highly effective for most types of wax blockages.
- Post-Cleaning Check: After the earwax removal, we perform another otoscopic examination to ensure your ear canal is thoroughly clean and healthy. We'll show you the clear results, so you can see the difference for yourself.
- Expert Advice and Follow-Up: Our professional will provide you with personalised advice on how to maintain good ear hygiene and prevent future wax buildup. We'll also discuss the ideal ear cleaning frequency for you based on your individual earwax production.
Ear Cleaning Methods
During an assisted ear-cleaning session, a professional audiologist will examine your ears and determine the best method for removing earwax. This could involve several techniques:
- Manual Removal: The audiologist uses ear curettes, small spoon-like tools with lights, to gently remove earwax.
- Ear Irrigation: Warm water is injected into the ear to soften and flush out earwax buildup.
- Microsuction: This method involves using a thin nozzle connected to a suction machine to dislodge and remove wax. It's quick and often faster than irrigation, with patients experiencing mild suction sensations or hearing sounds during the procedure.
The process is generally quick and painless, providing relief from the symptoms of earwax buildup. At Listening Lab, we only provide the Ear Irrigation technique.
Benefits of Professional Ear Cleaning
Investing in professional ear cleaning offers a multitude of benefits that extend beyond just clear ears. Our ear cleaning service is designed to significantly improve your overall hearing health and quality of life:
- Better Hearing Clarity: By safely removing blockages, professional cleaning restores your ear's natural ability to receive sound, leading to noticeably clearer and crisper hearing.
- Prevents Infections and Discomfort: Regular removal of excess earwax eliminates a common breeding ground for bacteria and reduces the risk of painful ear infections and irritating symptoms like itching and fullness.
- Optimises Hearing Aid Performance: For hearing aid users, a clean ear canal ensures that sound from your device is transmitted effectively, preventing feedback and maximising the performance and longevity of your valuable hearing aids.
- Eliminates Risk of Damage: Unlike DIY methods, our professional techniques, performed by an experienced ear cleaning doctor, ensure that the delicate structures of your ear are not harmed during the removal process.
- Reduces Tinnitus and Dizziness: For some individuals, excessive earwax can contribute to or worsen tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and even dizziness. Professional cleaning can alleviate these bothersome symptoms.
- Comprehensive Ear Health Check: Each cleaning session includes a visual inspection of your ear canal and eardrum, allowing for early detection of any other potential issues.
Post-Cleaning Care: How to Maintain Clean and Healthy Ears
Having your ears professionally cleaned can be a refreshing and beneficial experience. However, proper post-cleaning care is essential to ensure your ears stay healthy and comfortable. Here are some tips to follow:
- Avoid Water Exposure: After professional cleaning and earwax removal, it's best to avoid swimming, showering, or using a hot tub for at least 24 hours. This allows enough time for your ear canal to dry completely and prevents the growth of bacteria.
- Protect Your Ears from Water: If you can't avoid getting your ears wet soon after cleaning, consider using doctor-approved earplugs designed for use with hearing aids. These earplugs create a barrier against water entering the ear canal while still allowing sound to pass through.
- Maintain Hearing Aid Hygiene: Regular cleaning of your hearing aids is crucial, especially after the ear cleaning service. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and drying your hearing aids. You might also want to talk to your audiologist for additional cleaning advice specific to your hearing aid model.
- Thorough Ear Drying: After showering, always remember to gently dry your outer ear with a soft towel.
- Avoid Cotton Buds/Q-Tips: Refrain from inserting cotton buds or Q-tips into your ear canal. These often push wax deeper, compacting it and negating the benefits of your earwax removal.
- Watch for Signs to Return: Pay attention symptoms like fullness, muffled hearing, or irritation. This indicates it's time for your next professional earwax removal session.
- Recognise Signs of Infection: While rare, if you experience increased pain, discharge, fever, or worsening hearing after cleaning, contact your doctor immediately.
Is Ear Cleaning Safe? What You Should Know
While earwax removal is generally very safe, there are some contraindications where the procedure might not be recommended immediately. These include:
Active Ear Infection: If you have an active ear infection (otitis externa or media), it's best to treat the infection first before proceeding with ear cleaning. Our audiologist will advise you on the best course of action.
Perforated Eardrum: A perforated (ruptured) eardrum is a contraindication for certain cleaning methods, particularly irrigation. Our initial otoscopic examination will identify this.
Recent Ear Surgery: If you've recently undergone ear surgery, we will need to confirm with your surgeon before proceeding.
Utilising only specialised, sterile equipment and adhering to strict safety protocols, you can rest assured that all ear cleaning procedures at The Listening Lab, done by highly trained and certified audiologists, will provide you with peace of mind.
Book a Professional Ear Cleaning / Ear Wax Removal Service in Malaysia Now!
Ensuring your ears are clean is key to maintaining optimal hearing health and the effectiveness of your hearing aids. Regular professional ear cleaning isn't just about comfort; it's an essential part of hearing aid maintenance and overall ear care.
To find a reputable ear care specialist in Malaysia, look for certified audiologists or ENT specialists who are experienced in earwax removal techniques. It's also helpful to research clinics with positive reviews and testimonials from previous visitors. Ensure that the clinic uses modern, safe equipment and is conveniently located to provide accessible services.
At The Listening Lab we're proud to offer all of this and more. Our certified audiologists are experts in the established earwax removal techniques, guaranteeing a safe and effective service. We are conveniently located across Malaysia, with branches in Damansara, (47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor), Mid Valley Megamall, Pavilion (168 Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur) and Sunway Geo (Subang Jaya, Selangor).
Visit us at a location nearest to you for a thorough and professional ear cleaning service that keeps your ears healthy and your hearing performing at its best.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article regarding assisted ear cleaning is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional or audiologist for personalised recommendations and treatments. Assisted ear cleaning should be performed by professionals to avoid potential damage to the ear canal or eardrum. Individual results may vary, and professional consultation is recommended to address specific needs and concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions about Assisted Ear Cleaning
Do I have to use eardrops before I come to see you for ear cleaning?
No, you can come and see us as soon as you have a problem and have it sorted out in one visit. Don't worry if you have been using them already — we can deal with that as well.
I have otitis externa (inflammation / infection of ear canal) in both ears, can I still do ear cleaning?
You should not proceed with an ear cleaning if you have been diagnosed with otitis externa. Your audiologist will advise you if you have doubts.
How long does it take for an ear cleaning session?
It depends on the amount of earwax in your ear. Usually, it takes about 30 minutes to an hour.
Do I need to book an appointment for ear cleaning?
Yes, an appointment is necessary. If you wish to schedule a visit, make an appointment here or reach us through Whatsapp.
