We’ve all been there. You're standing in the shower, the water is running, and you’re feeling that annoying, persistent itch in your ear. You know it’s probably earwax buildup, and in that moment, you think, “Why not give it a quick rinse and be done with it?” But here's the thing—using home remedies for earwax removal may not always be the best choice, and sometimes, they can lead to bigger problems.
Before you grab that cotton swab or try some DIY technique, let's dive into why these methods can be dangerous—and why professional help is the safer, more effective solution.
Earwax plays an important role in keeping your ears healthy. It naturally helps protect your ears from dirt, dust, and bacteria, and keeps the ear canal lubricated. However, when earwax builds up too much, it can cause discomfort, affect your hearing, and even lead to infections. While it might seem like a good idea to clean your ears at home, many of the commonly used home remedies can actually do more harm than good.
Some people try to clean their ears with cotton swabs, candles, or even forceful irrigation, but these methods can cause serious damage. The main risks of home remedies include:
Meet Sarah, a 38-year-old office worker who thought she could handle her earwax problem on her own. One day, she felt a familiar itch in her ear. She tried to clean it with a cotton swab but didn’t feel like the problem was completely gone. So, she decided to take a different approach—she hopped into the shower and let the warm water flow into her ear, hoping it would wash away any stubborn wax.
At first, she felt some relief, but soon after the shower, Sarah noticed that her ear felt clogged. She could still hear, but everything seemed muffled, and she even had a feeling of fullness in her ear. She shrugged it off at first, thinking it would go away on its own. Unfortunately, the water had trapped the wax in her ear canal, causing a blockage that worsened over the next few days.
As the days passed, Sarah began experiencing additional symptoms: a ringing sound in her ear (tinnitus), increasing discomfort, and even difficulty hearing properly. It became harder to concentrate at work and she couldn’t focus on phone calls or meetings. The muffled hearing made it impossible for her to communicate effectively with her coworkers and clients.
Finally, Sarah decided to seek professional help after realizing that things weren’t improving. When she visited Hazelwood Hearcare, a quick ear examination revealed a significant earwax blockage, worsened by the trapped water from the shower. After a gentle microsuction procedure to safely remove the earwax, Sarah felt immediate relief. The muffled sounds disappeared, and her hearing returned to normal. She was amazed at how much she had been struggling without even realizing it.
If you’re dealing with earwax buildup, it’s crucial to seek professional assistance. Here’s why:
According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, earwax blockage is one of the most common reasons people visit an ear specialist, with more than 12 million people in the United States seeking medical care for it each year. Furthermore, studies show that 70% of people who use cotton swabs for ear cleaning are at risk of pushing earwax further into the ear canal, potentially causing blockages or injuries.
While home remedies can seem like a quick fix, the best approach for dealing with earwax buildup is to leave it to the professionals. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it may be time to get your ears checked:
At Hazelwood Hearcare, we provide safe, effective earwax removal through microsuction. This method is precise, gentle, and removes earwax without the risk of injury or pushing it further into the ear canal. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms or just want to make sure your ears are healthy, book an appointment online or call us at 07436717303.
Book your appointment today and take the first step toward safe, effective ear health!
