Hearing Solution services

Earwax Management

Earwax, that yellowish-brown substance produced by the glands of the external ear, may conjure the ick factor for many people, but it actually serves a pretty important purpose. Learn what it’s there for, how to manage it, and what to do if it becomes a problem.

Why Is Earwax in Your Ear?Screenshot 2021 04 29 154307

Earwax — also called “cerumen” — results from secretions by the ceruminous glands in the outer ear canal. The secretions help lubricate the ear canal and help maintain an acidic environment that curbs development of harmful bacteria and fungi.

Movements of the lower jaw — speaking or chewing, for example — continually move the earwax toward the outer ear canal, helping cleanse the ear and push out excess wax.

Life without earwax would be a lot less comfortable; it not only helps keep the canal clean but prevents dirt and other debris from reaching and potentially damaging the eardrum. In addition, earwax can help keep ears from feeling itchy and dry.

Earwax levels vary considerably from one person to the next. The typical amount produced can vary by age or gender as well as other factors.

When Should Earwax Be Removed?

Normally you needn’t remove earwax; your ears will naturally handle that function by pushing out the excess.

At times, however, the ear glands may produce more wax than necessary, and earwax blockage can occur. People who use hearing aids, wear earplugs, or push objects such as cotton swabs into their ears can be more prone to these problems.

About 10 percent of children and more than 30 percent of older and cognitively impaired patients have excessive earwax, according to a report published by American Family Physician. The excess buildup — more than the ear can remove naturally — may cause one or more symptoms such as the following:

  • Itch, odor, or drainage
  • Partial hearing loss
  • Sensation of a plugged ear or fullness in the ear
  • Humming, ringing, or buzzing in the ears, or tinnitus
  • Pain in the ear
  • Vertigo, dizziness, or balance problems

When earwax builds to the point of causing pain or other symptoms, or preventing a professional examination of the ear, it’s time to clean it out.

What Are the Dos and Don’ts of Ear Cleaning?

DO use a warm, soft cloth — after washing or showering — to remove normal amounts of earwax at the outer ear, if needed.
DO gently soften the earwax with drops of warmed olive oil, almond oil, water, or a commercial solution to remove larger amounts of earwax or an earwax plug.
DO try irrigating the ear by gently rinsing it out with water.

DO NOT use ear candles, which may cause serious injury and have not been proven effective in limited clinical trials.
DO NOT stick cotton swabs or other objects in the ear; they can cause injury and push wax farther into the ear canal.

Screenshot 2021 04 29 154238

When Should I See a Hearing Care Professional?

Sometimes earwax buildup requires the attention of a professional who can examine your ears, determine the nature of the problem, and customize a treatment.

Treatment may include prescribing ear drops, applying wax-dissolving agents, using a suction technique, or providing another appropriate solution.

Consult your hearing care professional if one or more of the following applies:

  • Your symptoms persist, especially pain or hearing loss
  • Home remedies seem ineffective
  • Earwax buildup is blocking your ear canal
  • Your eardrum may be perforated or punctured

If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with earwax, contact us for an evaluation and customized treatment options for your individual needs. We can help with all your questions and concerns.

Tulsa Audiologists

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Call our office today.

Step 2

Schedule a hearing test
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No Matter The Situation, Our Tulsa Audiologists Are Prepared To Help With These Services:

Audiological Evaluations

Audiological Evaluations

Hearing impairment affects more than just your ability to hear — it affects your quality of life. Hearing Solution Centers stresses the importance of an accurate and timely hearing test. Call us today to schedule an apointment.

Assistive Listening Devices

Assistive Listening Devices

Individuals with hearing loss sometimes have more difficulty hearing basic technology that is a part of regular daily life, like telephones ringing or alarm clocks buzzing. Assistive Listening Devices cure this problem.

Hearing Aid Repairs

Hearing Aid Repairs

Even if you take care of your hearing aids and keep up with regular maintenance, time takes its toll on all technology, and it’s possible that yours will eventually wear out through the course of normal use.

Custom Ear Plugs & Molded Ear Plugs

Custom Ear Plugs & Molded Ear Plugs

Hearing loss happens for many reasons, one of the most popular being exposure to loud noise (noise-induced hearing loss, or NIHL). Hearing Solution Centers offers a variety of custom ear plugs and molded ear plugs.

Tinnitus Treatment

Tinnitus Treatment

Though the common misconception about tinnitus is that it’s a disease, tinnitus is actually a medical condition characterized by persistent ringing in one or both ears that can only be heard by the affected individual.

Earwax Management

Earwax Management

Earwax, that yellowish-brown substance produced by the glands of the external ear, may conjure the ick factor for many people, but it actually serves a pretty important purpose. Our treatments will help you manage it in a healthy way.

Hunter Hearing Protection

Hunter Hearing Protection

Digitial Hunter’s Hearing Protection is designed for hunters and shooters who need amplification as well as hearing protection.

Custom In-Ear Monitors

Custom-Molded In-Ear Monitors

As the #1 custom-molded in-ear monitors provider in Tulsa, we are committed to helping Tulsa musicians hear every note.

Custom In-Ear Monitors

HSC Bluetooth Medical Devices

Our first-ever medical-grade hearing enhancement and earbud hybrid, these buds enhance the world around you and help you hear your music and calls better.

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Contact Info

Hearing Solution Centers

Address:

6550 E 71st St, Ste 101

Tulsa, OK 74133

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Phone:

(918) 602-4109

Hours of Operation:

Monday-Friday: 8:30am - 5:00pm