4 Effective Methods of Earwax Removal
Even though earwax is a beneficial substance in the ear, in some situations it may need to be removed.
Sometimes, earwax does not extrude.
It becomes impacted in the canal thus preventing transmission of sound.
Because of that, earwax removal has been one of the most frequently performed procedures.
There are different strategies that can be used to remove wax.
Manual removal This is the most common procedure.
It involves the use of suction and micro instruments like ring curettes and soft ear wax removal devices that can be found in medical institutions.
This form of earwax removal is the safest and the least traumatic method because it does not harm the underlying pathology like tympanic perforation that may underlie beneath the wax.
While conducting manual removal of wax, it is important to use soft materials so as to avoid damaging the sensitive parts of the ear like the eardrum.
Irrigation This method wax removal is ideal for both primary care and specialty settings.
As the name suggests it involves the use of water i.
e.
lukewarm water to dissolve and remove the wax.
How is earwax removal by irrigation done? To begin with, a large syringe is filled with lukewarm water.
The water should be clean and pure.
It is advisable to use lukewarm water so as to prevent caloric stimulation.
The auricle is pulled back to straighten the canal and water is directed to the roof of the ear canal.
The direction of water should be away from the eardrum.
The water is left in the canal for sometime before it is removed.
While removing, a basin is held below the ear to catch the irrigant and the wax.
This method is very effective and time-honored.
It is normally done out of necessity.
However, it should be remembered that care ought to be observed.
Use of too much force may result in damage to sensitive parts of the tympanic membrane and therefore it may subject a person to injury.
Chemical removal of wax This is almost similar in procedure with irrigation except that it involves the use of some chemicals instead of water.
On the other hand, the use of this method may not lead to actual removal of earwax.
It only softens the wax so as to make other methods of wax removal easy.
Once the wax is soft, manual removal by methods like suction will be easy.
Similarly, soft wax has increased chances of naturally extruding.
Under this method, the use of mild chemicals like 4% hydrogen peroxide is used.
Caution should be taken in selecting the type of chemical to use and it is important to consult a qualified physician for assistance.
Earwax candling This method is applicable for removing shallow impacted earwax.
Under this method, a candle cone is inserted into the ear, lit on fire and allowed to burn down.
It is to be extinguished when the candle has burned down to less than 3 inches.
In the process, the earwax is melted and drawn up to the candle by the flame, allowing it to be removed with the extinguished candle.
Sometimes, earwax does not extrude.
It becomes impacted in the canal thus preventing transmission of sound.
Because of that, earwax removal has been one of the most frequently performed procedures.
There are different strategies that can be used to remove wax.
Manual removal This is the most common procedure.
It involves the use of suction and micro instruments like ring curettes and soft ear wax removal devices that can be found in medical institutions.
This form of earwax removal is the safest and the least traumatic method because it does not harm the underlying pathology like tympanic perforation that may underlie beneath the wax.
While conducting manual removal of wax, it is important to use soft materials so as to avoid damaging the sensitive parts of the ear like the eardrum.
Irrigation This method wax removal is ideal for both primary care and specialty settings.
As the name suggests it involves the use of water i.
e.
lukewarm water to dissolve and remove the wax.
How is earwax removal by irrigation done? To begin with, a large syringe is filled with lukewarm water.
The water should be clean and pure.
It is advisable to use lukewarm water so as to prevent caloric stimulation.
The auricle is pulled back to straighten the canal and water is directed to the roof of the ear canal.
The direction of water should be away from the eardrum.
The water is left in the canal for sometime before it is removed.
While removing, a basin is held below the ear to catch the irrigant and the wax.
This method is very effective and time-honored.
It is normally done out of necessity.
However, it should be remembered that care ought to be observed.
Use of too much force may result in damage to sensitive parts of the tympanic membrane and therefore it may subject a person to injury.
Chemical removal of wax This is almost similar in procedure with irrigation except that it involves the use of some chemicals instead of water.
On the other hand, the use of this method may not lead to actual removal of earwax.
It only softens the wax so as to make other methods of wax removal easy.
Once the wax is soft, manual removal by methods like suction will be easy.
Similarly, soft wax has increased chances of naturally extruding.
Under this method, the use of mild chemicals like 4% hydrogen peroxide is used.
Caution should be taken in selecting the type of chemical to use and it is important to consult a qualified physician for assistance.
Earwax candling This method is applicable for removing shallow impacted earwax.
Under this method, a candle cone is inserted into the ear, lit on fire and allowed to burn down.
It is to be extinguished when the candle has burned down to less than 3 inches.
In the process, the earwax is melted and drawn up to the candle by the flame, allowing it to be removed with the extinguished candle.