Your Ears Care Specialist

Ear wax is quite normal and has a very important role to play in keeping the ears clean and healthy. If it builds up too much, however, it can be uncomfortable and can cause problems.

Ear wax is a harmless substance made by tiny glands in the ear canal. Its job is to clean and protect the ears by trapping dirt and germs so they don’t get deeper inside the ear, where they could cause an ear infection. Ear wax is also known as cerumen.

Usually, ear wax naturally moves out of the ear and takes the dirt and dead skin cells with it. Everyday movements of the jaw, like chewing and talking, help with this. You don’t usually notice the wax come out, and it normally washes off when you shower or have a bath.

The color of ear wax ranges from light yellow to dark brown.

Some people produce more ear wax than others, but it’s not a sign of bad hygiene.

You might be more likely to have a build-up of ear wax if you:

• have narrow or very hairy ear canals
• work in dirty or dusty places
• clean your ears yourself, which can push wax further into the ear
• wear headphones or a hearing aid regularly
• are older, since wax gets harder with age and won’t fall out as easily

Signs and symptoms of ear wax build-up include:

• a full feeling in the ear
• earache and pain, or itchiness
• ringing noises (also known as tinnitus)
• hearing problems
• dizziness

You can’t prevent ear wax — after all, it has an important job to do. But if you do have trouble with ongoing ear wax build-up, you can try using softening drops regularly to limit it.

See your ear removal if:

• your ear hasn’t cleared up after 5 days
• you can’t hear anything
• you have any concerns
• You can also use our contact number to help you work out what’s happening and what to do next.

A simple ear examination will show whether you have ear wax build-up. Your doctor or our ear removal will be able to do this.

If our ear removal thinks your ear problem might be more serious, they will refer you to an ear, specialist for further investigation.

The safest way to unblock your ears is to seek professional advice from your ear picking who will be able to advise you on the most appropriate method and how to prepare for removal.

As the earwax tries to clear dead skin and debris, it can also trap bacteria inside the ear canal. If left untreated there is potential for an outer ear infection known as otitis externa.

Professional ear cleaning costs vary depending on where you go. At cocometic, our earwax removal services costs start at $450.