If you’ve ever scheduled an earwax removal appointment, you know it’s essential to understand what to expect during your visit. After all, being informed beforehand not only eases your mind but also helps your healthcare provider deliver the best care possible!
First and foremost, let’s debunk any stigma around earwax—it’s a natural and necessary part of ear health. No need for embarrassment here; everyone has it! But when it comes to removing excess wax, it’s crucial to rely on professional care rather than attempting it yourself.
Today, we’ll walk you through the signs that indicate professional earwax removal is necessary and what to anticipate during your earwax removal appointment.
When is professional earwax removal advised?
While some individuals never need to worry about earwax buildup, others may find themselves producing excess wax or experiencing a stickier consistency, leading to blockages. Attempting DIY removal can often exacerbate the issue, potentially causing harm.
You should consider seeking professional help if you:
- Experience ear pain, discomfort, or itchiness
- Feel pressure or fullness in your ears
- Notice sudden hearing loss or ringing (tinnitus)
These symptoms often indicate the need for professional intervention. If an earwax buildup isn’t the culprit, your healthcare provider can explore further to address underlying issues.
How long does an earwax removal appointment take?
Most professional earwax removal appointments last between 15 and 30 minutes. The exact duration depends largely on how severe your wax buildup is. It’s also affected by the removal method chosen by your audiologist or other healthcare provider.
What does the earwax removal process look like?
First, your provider will complete a visual examination of your ears with an otoscope. This is a tool that allows them to see inside the ear, confirming the presence and severity of an earwax buildup. Based on this assessment, your doctor will then decide the most effective removal method.
The two primary methods for earwax removal are:
- Manual Method: Using specialized tools like curettes or suction, your provider gently removes the buildup.
- Irrigation Method: Warm water is gently flushed into the ear canal to soften and dislodge the wax.
In some cases, a combination of both methods may be necessary for effective removal.
What should you expect after your earwax removal appointment?
Following earwax removal, many patients report improved hearing and reduced discomfort. However, it’s essential to refrain from using Q-tips or similar objects as DIY ear cleaning methods. Rather than helping to remove buildups, they often push wax deeper into the ear canal.
While relief may be temporary for some, regular professional cleanings can help maintain ear health and prevent future buildup. If you wear hearing aids, frequent earwax removal appointments can be an important part of your hearing aid maintenance routine. This will keep your ears debris-free and prevent wax buildups from interfering with hearing aid performance.
Expert Hearing Healthcare in Mesa and Scottsdale, AZ
At Advanced Hearing Group, we’re dedicated to providing expert hearing healthcare services. From routine hearing tests to helping you find the best hearing aids or removing an earwax buildup, we have you covered! With convenient locations in Mesa and Scottsdale, AZ, our experienced audiologists serve clients across the greater Phoenix area.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of earwax buildup, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us. We strive to accommodate same-day or next-day appointments to get you back to feeling your best as soon as possible!
