How Excess Ear Wax Impacts Your Ear Health: Symptoms and Causes
Are you experiencing a feeling of fullness or discomfort in your ear? Does your hearing feel muffled or diminished? If so, you may be suffering from excess ear wax, a common condition that affects millions of people every year. Fortunately, ear wax removal is a simple and painless procedure that can be performed quickly and easily at Healthcare Express Urgent Care.
What is Ear Wax?
Ear wax, also known as cerumen, is a natural substance produced by the glands in your ear canal. Its purpose is to protect and lubricate the skin in your ear, as well as to trap dust, dirt, and other debris before they can reach your eardrum. Normally, ear wax is self-cleaning and will naturally move out of your ear canal on its own.
However, some people produce more ear wax than others, and it can become impacted or blocked, leading to discomfort and hearing problems.
What are the Symptoms of Excess Ear Wax?
Excess ear wax can cause a range of symptoms, including:
- Feeling of fullness or pressure in your ear
- Mild to moderate hearing loss
- Earache or pain
- Itching or irritation in your ear canal
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Tinnitus, or ringing in your ear
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
How is Ear Wax Removal Performed?
At Healthcare Express Urgent Care, our experienced medical professionals use safe and effective methods to remove excess ear wax, including:
- Irrigation: A gentle stream of warm water is used to flush out the ear canal and remove the wax.
- Curettage: A small, curved instrument called a curette is used to scrape the ear wax out of the ear canal.
Our ear wax removal procedures are quick, painless, and safe, and can be performed in a matter of minutes.
Tips for Preventing Excess Ear Wax
To reduce your risk of excess ear wax, follow these simple tips:
- Don't insert anything into your ear canal, including cotton swabs, which can push the wax further into your ear and cause an impaction.
- Use earplugs or a swim cap when swimming or showering to prevent water from entering your ear canal.
- Keep your ears clean by gently wiping the outer ear with a soft, damp cloth.
If you are experiencing symptoms of excess ear wax, don't hesitate to contact Healthcare Express Urgent Care for prompt and professional ear wax removal services. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are here to help you feel your best, and get back to enjoying life to the fullest.
