Cerumen Removal

Earwax Removal: Keeping Your Ears Clear

Earwax, also known as cerumen, plays a crucial role in keeping our ears healthy by protecting the ear canal from dust and debris. Under normal circumstances, the ear is self-cleaning, and ear wax naturally moves out of the ears. But sometimes earwax accumulates, leading to blockages in the ear canal.

If you use hearing aids or earmolds, you might experience more earwax accumulation since these devices can prevent earwax from naturally drying out and working its way out of the ear canals.

Signs of Earwax Buildup

Blockages caused by earwax can show up as various uncomfortable symptoms, such as persistent earaches, tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears), reduced or muffled hearing, a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear, and occasional dizziness, especially during position changes. Addressing these symptoms promptly is important to prevent further discomfort and potential hearing issues.

At-Home Earwax Removal

For mild blockages, at-home earwax removal kits can be used. You can buy these kits over the counter as recommended by your healthcare professional. These kits include a liquid solution to soften earwax and a rubber bulb syringe for irrigation.

The process involves applying the solution to the ear canals as directed, allowing it to soften the earwax, and then gently irrigating the ears with warm water using the bulb syringe. While this method is generally safe, it’s important to consult a professional when in doubt about at-home cleaning.

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Earwax Removal Methods to Avoid

Did you know that using cotton swabs or Q-tips to clean the ear can be harmful? Using cotton swabs can potentially push earwax deeper into the ear, worsening blockages, or even causing damage. Q-tips can sometimes damage the walls of the ear canal or the ear drum. Healthcare professionals typically advise against using cotton swabs or any foreign objects for earwax removal within the ear canal. You can use these products to clean the outer ear, but it’s best to avoid putting anything in your ear canal.

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Professional Earwax Removal

For significant or stubborn blockages, we’ve got you covered. We have two common methods for earwax removal:

Irrigation:

One of the most common earwax removal treatments is irrigation. This is similar to an at-home kit but works for more impacted earwax. Professionals often use more potent earwax removal medications along with irrigation to dislodge blockages and remove earwax safely.

Curettage:

In cases where irrigation might not be effective, we use a curettage to remove earwax. We’ll use a long, curved tool and suction to safely remove earwax from the ear canal.

Professional Consultation

If you think you have earwax blockage or are experiencing discomfort, visit us for a professional consultation. Professional earwax removal can alleviate symptoms and maintain healthy ear canals. Opting for safe and professional ear care can help you maintain healthy ears and healthy hearing.

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We're here to help you understand your hearing health, recommend the perfect hearing aids, and address any hearing-related concerns you may have.
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Visit Our Office

Whether you need a hearing evaluation, hearing aid selection and fitting, or tune-ups and maintenance for your devices, our office in Longview, TX is fully equipped to provide you with the best hearing healthcare services. Call us today to schedule an appointment or to ask any questions you may have. We look forward to assisting you on your journey to better hearing!
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Amie Buckland
Amie Buckland
November 7, 2023
Dr. Martin and his staff are kind, attentive, and knowledgeable in their area of expertise. I felt at ease and taken care of from the time I walked in the door until I left. My hearing test results were thoroughly explained, and I felt understood and informed regarding my ear health.
Michelle Henderson
Michelle Henderson
November 7, 2023
Very friendly staff. Dr. Ken was so helpful and he took plenty of time to teach me how to use my hearing aids. I highly recommend!
Tony Stone
Tony Stone
November 6, 2023
Went in to have my heating checked. Staff was polite and attentive to me. Once I saw Dr. Martin he conducted my tests and was very through. Highly recommended!
Dwaine Hall
Dwaine Hall
October 4, 2023
Was very amazed at the great service we received. There was no sales pitch to buy the highest priced hearing aid. The Receptionist to Ken was very concerned about giving the best possible service. Would recommend anyone needing hearing aids to go here. We are new to this area and have had poor experience at other big companies like Miracle Ear. Thanks for giving my mother of 80 the ability to hear again.
Karen Cooper Bryant
Karen Cooper Bryant
September 27, 2023
Just purchased my second pair of hearing aids today. From the experience that I had the first time, I knew I would want to go there, again. Ken is professional, knowledgeable, articulate, and patient. His office staff are polite & helpful and I'm so glad I chose Ken Martin Audiology!
Lara Manasse
Lara Manasse
September 20, 2023
Customer service like none other ! Was greeted within minutes I was fixed up. A simple explanation of the repair and was on my way. Very pleased with my quick visit today.
Kay Blackstock
Kay Blackstock
August 16, 2023
Such a wonderful visit with Mr Martin yesterday. My first hearing test ever! Not only was his explanation of the testing excellent but his knowledge of the outcome was too. He also knew my insurance plan and the benefits they offered regarding the hearing aids. I really appreciated his service. Also his front desk young lady applied a bandaid to elbow that I injured and was bleeding! Very kind.
Mike McTee
Mike McTee
July 17, 2023
I've seen multiple audiologists over the past several years and Ken Martin Audiology is by far the best. Ken, Shannon and staff are very professional but at the same time they make you feel right at home in their office. Great experience!!