Earwax Removal
The Truth About Earwax: When to Remove It and When to Leave It Alone
Earwax, or cerumen, is often misunderstood. Many people think of it as something dirty that should be removed frequently, but in reality, earwax plays an essential role in keeping your ears healthy. At Novasound Hearing & Balance Center, we help patients safely manage their earwax to maintain optimal ear health. In this post, we’ll explore what earwax does, when it becomes a problem, and the safest ways to remove it.
What Is Earwax and Why Is It Important?
Earwax is a natural substance produced by glands in your ear canal. It serves several important functions:
- Protection – It traps dust, dirt, and bacteria, preventing them from reaching deeper into your ear.
- Lubrication – It keeps your ear canal from becoming dry and irritated.
- Self-Cleaning – Earwax gradually moves outward, carrying debris with it before naturally flaking away.
When Does Earwax Become a Problem?
In most cases, earwax doesn’t need to be removed. However, some people experience excessive buildup, which can lead to:
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) – A blockage can sometimes lead to ringing or buzzing sounds.
- Hearing loss – Blocked ear canals can reduce your ability to hear clearly.
- Ear pain or pressure – Excess wax can cause discomfort or even dizziness.
You may need professional earwax removal if you experience any of these symptoms.
What NOT to Do: The Risks of Cotton Swabs
Many people use cotton swabs (Q-tips) to clean their ears, but this can actually push wax deeper into the ear canal, leading to impaction. Other unsafe methods include:
- Using sharp objects – This can damage the delicate skin in the ear canal.
- Ear candles – These have been proven ineffective and can cause burns or injury.
Safe & Professional Earwax Removal Options
At Novasound Hearing & Balance Center, we offer safe, professional earwax removal using:
- Irrigation – A gentle flushing with warm water.
- Microsuction – A precise and painless method using a small vacuum.
- Manual removal – Using specialized tools under magnification.
When to See a Professional
If you’re experiencing discomfort, hearing loss, or frequent wax buildup, it’s best to seek professional help. We provide quick and painless earwax removal in Halifax, ensuring your ears stay healthy and your hearing remains clear.
Who Is More Likely to Experience Earwax Buildup?
While earwax is a natural and healthy part of ear function, some individuals are more prone to excessive buildup than others. People who wear hearing aids or earbuds regularly may experience increased accumulation because these devices can prevent natural wax migration out of the ear canal. Similarly, individuals with narrow or uniquely shaped ear canals may notice frequent blockages.
Age can also play a role. As we get older, earwax can become drier and harder, making it more difficult for the ear’s self-cleaning process to work effectively. This may increase the likelihood of impaction and associated symptoms such as hearing reduction or discomfort.
Additionally, certain habits — like frequent use of cotton swabs or inserting objects into the ear — can unintentionally push wax deeper into the canal, creating compacted buildup that requires professional removal.
How Professional Earwax Removal Improves Hearing Health
Professional earwax removal is not only about comfort but also about protecting long-term hearing health. Removing impacted wax allows sound to travel clearly through the ear canal and reduces strain on hearing devices or amplification systems. Audiologists use specialized techniques designed to minimize risk and ensure safe outcomes.
Regular ear health checkups can help identify wax buildup early before symptoms worsen. Many patients find that routine monitoring prevents sudden hearing changes and improves overall ear hygiene without the need for risky at-home cleaning methods.
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Novasound Hearing & Balance Center
902-444-7788 | novasound.ca