Ear Wax Removal
What is wax
Earwax is produced by sebaceous and ceruminous glands in the ear canal, which leads from the outer ear to the eardrum. Earwax protects the ear by capturing dust and other unwanted particles that could accumulate and damage the eardrum. Contrary to popular belief, earwax production is good for your hearing health, however, too much of a good thing can lead to some of the following side effects or symptoms.
Negative Side Effects
For most patients that have earwax, they will never experience any of the following symptoms. However, if you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms, seek professional help as soon as possible.
When booking your appointment, our clinicians will identify if the wax is causing the issue, or if there are any underlying factors that may be causing the discomfort.
Different methods of removal
There are 3 methods of wax removal that have been deemed safe to perform by clinicians.
Those would be:
Manual curette wax removal by hand
Irrigation - Using a water pick method
Suction method with a specialized machine.
Each method offers a unique benefit for different situations. For example: If the earwax has been pushed too deep in the ear canal from potential Q-Tip use, Irrigation is the next safest way to clean out the ears.
Finding the right solution for you requires to first book an appointment with a practitioner that is registered for their wax removal certifications.
Who can do wax removal
Hearing Instrument Specialists
Nurse Practitioners
Doctors
ENT’s
Audiologist
What NOT to use ( Online quick fix solutions) & Methods
Ear Candling
This method is one of the most dangerous and inefficient ways to remove earwax in the ears. Founded in 2500 BC by the Egyptians, back then there were no other solutions available to safely remove wax. Today for good reason, ear candling has been banned in many medical offices as the risk of patient injury to the outer and inner ear is very high.
Ear picks
These devices are newer in the market and have limited functionality as the pointed spindle does not go deep enough to remove all of the earwax. This method may also cause minor ear canal injuries as their tips scrape against the skin.
Video camera ear devices
Although this method is commonly used in medical offices, we do not recommend using this type of device on your own ear. For many, it can be disorienting to use and has the potential to cause ear canal damage.
To give you a good reference, most medical professionals with qualifications to remove ear wax DO NOT clean their own ears because they know the potential severe risks. Call us to book an appointment to have your ears cleared.
What Our Clients Say
Jackie treated me like family and Luke knows his stuff. He has an incredible passion for what he does. I have found the right match. Thanks for a top notch experience. I certainly recommend Discover hearing over any of the other local hearing centres.
Brant Grozelle
The tech, testing, teaching and 1:1 care provided at this centre far exceeded my expectations. I'm grateful to have this information and support to help me enjoy conversations and ease the burden of straining to hear people when they're talking.
Joanna London
Great client engagement and focus on customer needs. Staff ensure they provide clear and easily understood information related to tests and test results.
Kathy Payette
Fantastic service! Luc really knows his stuff and he helped me take a different, more preventative approach to something that was going on with my ear - and the problem fixed itself before it became a much bigger problem. Many thanks!
Kirsten Loop
I took my 95 year old mother, who has significant dementia, for a hearing assessment. Luke was amazingly kind, patient, personable and professional for the assessment and followups. And his office is wheelchair accessible. The best!
Deb Gem
Luc and student Gemma took the time to explain each test before completing them. They gave me the opportunity to ask questions about my hearing. I recommend going to Discover Hearing Centre for your hearing needs.